Small "Blingy" Knife, But From Where and What Was its Purpose???

Battara · 22nd June 2020, 05:26 AM

OO.........I like this one!

Kinda makes me think of Indonesia, even perhaps Aceh, although the blade makes me think of Borneo.

Ian · 22nd June 2020, 11:06 AM

The small size and wide blade makes me think of a knife to cut betel. While I've not seen any exactly like this one, betel-knives can be quite ornate as can the boxes that accompany the storage and tools for preparing the Areca nut for chewing.

The blade seems modeled after a Sumatran klewang, although the small piece protruding just below the hilt looks more Kalimantan. The silver work on the hilt could pass for southern Thai/Malaysian but I think it is more likely Sumatran. The wooden scabbard with an opening along the back seems recent in manufacture, and is seen also with a much larger Sumatran klewang, but is not exclusively Sumatran in use.

As usual Charles, you have another intriguing piece of difficult-to-define origin.

CharlesS · 22nd June 2020, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

As usual Charles, you have another intriguing piece of difficult-to-define origin.

True Ian! For better or worse that seems to be my specialty. I am always attracted to the odd and unusual with a little bling thrown in!

Bob A · 22nd June 2020, 10:00 PM

The opening in the scabbard seems most useful for weapons that need to be withdrawn in a hurry.

Aside from "somewhere in the Malay Archepelago" that's all Ive got.

Sajen · 22nd June 2020, 11:38 PM

Hello Charles,

Most beautiful knife!

Never seen such a knife before but it remember me a little bit to my lopah petawaran.

Regards,
Detlef

Battara · 23rd June 2020, 04:55 AM

The similarities to the lopah are why I mentioned Aceh.

Perhaps I misspoke on the blade - maybe it is Sumatra I was thinking that make a wide ended blade like this.

Did not think of betel nut. Must have belonged to someone of some status.

Sajen · 23rd June 2020, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

The similarities to the lopah are why I mentioned Aceh.

But a LP is Batak instead of Aceh!

Regards,
Detlef

CharlesS · 23rd June 2020, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Charles,

Most beautiful knife!

Never seen such a knife before but it remember me a little bit to my lopah petawaran.

Regards,
Detlef

I thought exactly the same, Detlef. But then there's the weird blade.

Sajen · 23rd June 2020, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I thought exactly the same, Detlef. But then there's the weird blade.

Like said, I never before I have seen a similar knife.

I only want to point to a possible origin.

Regards,
Detlef

22nd June 2020, 11:38 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,786	Hello Charles, Most beautiful knife! Never seen such a knife before but it remember me a little bit to my lopah petawaran. Regards, Detlef Attached Images

22nd June 2020, 05:26 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	OO.........I like this one! Kinda makes me think of Indonesia, even perhaps Aceh, although the blade makes me think of Borneo.

22nd June 2020, 11:06 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	The small size and wide blade makes me think of a knife to cut betel. While I've not seen any exactly like this one, betel-knives can be quite ornate as can the boxes that accompany the storage and tools for preparing the Areca nut for chewing. The blade seems modeled after a Sumatran klewang, although the small piece protruding just below the hilt looks more Kalimantan. The silver work on the hilt could pass for southern Thai/Malaysian but I think it is more likely Sumatran. The wooden scabbard with an opening along the back seems recent in manufacture, and is seen also with a much larger Sumatran klewang, but is not exclusively Sumatran in use. As usual Charles, you have another intriguing piece of difficult-to-define origin.

22nd June 2020, 10:00 PM	#4
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 427	The opening in the scabbard seems most useful for weapons that need to be withdrawn in a hurry. Aside from "somewhere in the Malay Archepelago" that's all Ive got.

23rd June 2020, 04:55 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	The similarities to the lopah are why I mentioned Aceh. Perhaps I misspoke on the blade - maybe it is Sumatra I was thinking that make a wide ended blade like this. Did not think of betel nut. Must have belonged to someone of some status.