A Simple Jambiya

[David R]

I have one very like it with a dark horn grip. Probably Yemeni, see photo of similar in wear.

[ariel]

I do not think the blade is "hollow", i.e. constructed from two flat-steel stamped halves that are welded together at the edges. Those are rounded, but yours is normally "triangled" with variable width of the rib along its course. I have never handled a " hollow" jambiya, but imagine that the blade will emit a " hollow" sound when struck. Also ( again imagining), the edges will show traces of the weld. When you get it in your hand, check and let us know.

Seems like a solid example.

[Pitt1999]

Thanks for the reminder about the difference in the shape of the ridge, that is a detail that I forget about when looking at jambiya. There is a detail on the blade that I have seen on a few other jambiya blades that, to my recollection, hasn't been discussed on the forum before and that is this cross hatched pattern at the base of the blade. From some of the videos I have seen showing modern jambiya production, a resin is used to hold the blade into the hilt in some examples. I imagine with this type of construction, that cross hatching would serve to give the resin something to grab onto rather than just smooth steel. With my example, this pattern seems to now serve as a bit of decorative flair to an otherwise plain object.

[David R]

Your post reminded me to record this one of my own. Plain Buffalo horn hilt, no scabbard, and bought as a "place holder" for the type.
Interestingly, on another site it claimed that plain wood was the choice for serious "users" as opposed to those worn for status.