Persian Dagger

Ian · 3rd September 2020, 05:01 AM

This is a beautiful small knife. I think it may well be older than 19th C as the blade seems to be wootz. Such a small knife could be a dagger, but its appearance looks more ceremonial to me. The blade does not follow traditional Persian weapons. What comes to mind is a circumcision knife. Circumcision was introduced into Persia at the same time as Islam. Other surgical purposes, such as cutting for urinary stones, might also fit. The shape of the hilt resembles some 18/19th C. European surgical scalpels.

Persian arms are not my area of specific interest, so just a guess.

3rd September 2020, 05:01 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	This is a beautiful small knife. I think it may well be older than 19th C as the blade seems to be wootz. Such a small knife could be a dagger, but its appearance looks more ceremonial to me. The blade does not follow traditional Persian weapons. What comes to mind is a circumcision knife. Circumcision was introduced into Persia at the same time as Islam. Other surgical purposes, such as cutting for urinary stones, might also fit. The shape of the hilt resembles some 18/19th C. European surgical scalpels. Persian arms are not my area of specific interest, so just a guess. Last edited by Ian; 3rd September 2020 at 05:28 AM. Reason: Added text