silver mounted file knife

Rick · 29th July 2009, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Dido.......

And Aeneas .

Battara · 29th July 2009, 02:29 AM

I also want to add one other thought to the discussion.

Like Arab and Turkish jambiyas, this piece is decorated on one side only . The back side is against the body. To my knowledge, Tibetan and Nepalese pieces on their hilts do not do the same.

Berkley · 29th July 2009, 05:17 AM

I believe the Himalayan Hypothesis has been pretty thoroughly and convincingly put to rest. Many thanks to all who have contributed to the discussion.
Berk

kahnjar1 · 11th August 2009, 04:31 AM

This thread has been playing on my mind as to the true identity of the piece in question, and I think I have the answer. Found this in Elgoods book Arabian Arms which I feel conclusively settles the argument.
Those (including myself) who settled on SHAFRA are also correct, but as has been previously mentioned here, the Shafra is the usual name given to the small knife which sits behind the Jambiya/Khanjar.
The correct name for this piece appears to be AL KHUSA, which according to the text is the name given in Northern Arabia, and SHAFRA in that area is regarded as the knife worn behind the Jambiya/Khanjar. In the south and northeast however the term Shafra is used for both.
The drawings show how the Khusa is worn, either on a belt or shoulder bandolier.
Regards Stuart

Oriental-Arms · 12th August 2009, 08:31 PM

Pease have a look at this set:

The Jambiya dagger in this set is most surely Arab, so will be the Shafra. (For a similar set see also Tirri p 95, Fig 56).

Years ago I had a long discussion with John Powell regarding the origin of this knife. He had a similar knife in his collection and supported the Nepali origin. Unfortunately we never agreed. Yet, after all I do believe in the Arab origin

Berkley · 12th August 2009, 09:42 PM

When I originally posted this I asked John Powell for his thoughts about it, and he replied as follows:

Quote:

I never did get to the bottom of this, but Artzi and I had many discussions about these side knives. While they appear with or connected to some Omani pieces there are many with Indian/Nepali markings. Trade items? Who knows, but I would disregard Egerton and stick with the mid-east for origin.

Stuart's illustration from Elgood is convincing as far as I am concerned also.

kahnjar1 · 13th August 2009, 06:09 AM

Now that it has arrived I will post further on this particular knife when I get some pics. In my opinion it is NOT a back knife for any Jambiya/Khanjar as it is just too big. Berk---you have email coming, and Artzi ---That is a REAL NICE pair of knives whatever they are called.

Regards Stuart

11th August 2009, 04:31 AM	#4
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,793	True ID I think This thread has been playing on my mind as to the true identity of the piece in question, and I think I have the answer. Found this in Elgoods book Arabian Arms which I feel conclusively settles the argument. Those (including myself) who settled on SHAFRA are also correct, but as has been previously mentioned here, the Shafra is the usual name given to the small knife which sits behind the Jambiya/Khanjar. The correct name for this piece appears to be AL KHUSA, which according to the text is the name given in Northern Arabia, and SHAFRA in that area is regarded as the knife worn behind the Jambiya/Khanjar. In the south and northeast however the term Shafra is used for both. The drawings show how the Khusa is worn, either on a belt or shoulder bandolier. Regards Stuart Attached Images

12th August 2009, 08:31 PM	#5
Oriental-Arms Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Haifa, Israel Posts: 183	Nepali or Arab ?? Pease have a look at this set: The Jambiya dagger in this set is most surely Arab, so will be the Shafra. (For a similar set see also Tirri p 95, Fig 56). Years ago I had a long discussion with John Powell regarding the origin of this knife. He had a similar knife in his collection and supported the Nepali origin. Unfortunately we never agreed. Yet, after all I do believe in the Arab origin

29th July 2009, 02:29 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,294	I also want to add one other thought to the discussion. Like Arab and Turkish jambiyas, this piece is decorated on one side only . The back side is against the body. To my knowledge, Tibetan and Nepalese pieces on their hilts do not do the same.

29th July 2009, 05:17 AM	#3
Berkley Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, Texas USA Posts: 257	I believe the Himalayan Hypothesis has been pretty thoroughly and convincingly put to rest. Many thanks to all who have contributed to the discussion. Berk

13th August 2009, 06:09 AM	#7
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,793	Now that it has arrived I will post further on this particular knife when I get some pics. In my opinion it is NOT a back knife for any Jambiya/Khanjar as it is just too big. Berk---you have email coming, and Artzi ---That is a REAL NICE pair of knives whatever they are called. Regards Stuart