An old kindjal for comments

kamachate · 3rd December 2017, 02:04 PM

Hi all.
This is one of my old relics, which I am going to restore (and of course will share after the restoration). I wanted to share it and have your opinions (if you provide

), before the hilt, scabbard, etc... is completed. You will find the detailed measures below, in the figures.
Please note that the grip is not symmetrical, has 3 mm width on the holding side, which I think most "kindjal people" are familiar. The thickness of the blade is 5,5 mm, and has a distal taper, 3 mm where the fulers end, and 1,5 mm at the very point.
There is an acid etching on the blade, on the strong part, which I thought it was an inscription before, however, apparently nothing but for decoration. I could not find any parallels for years.
Although it is quite a thick blade, it has lost its temper, or never had a proper temper, for it is a sturdy beast, but can be bent and not recover its form, if enough force is applied - I was nearly going to bend it, before I realized this

May be it is because of the way it is forged. I know very little about this, but I add the photos, may be you can say something.
I know it is so hard to provide an origin for these blades, but the mark does not seem to be one of the Georgian of Tbilisi ones. Maybe central Caucasus? I do not think it is Circassian, since it is inherited in a Circassian family.

Any comments on the blade, forging, shape, the signature, and even for the decoration style for the restoration is welcome. I am inclined to decorate it in the Circassian style, if it fits

Thank you all in advance. Best.

kamachate · 3rd December 2017, 02:36 PM

I have forgot to mention the second mark on the blade. It is hard to read, but seems to be Cyrillic. It is at the end of the acid etching decoration, near the mark with Arabic script. Here I attach 2 close photos for it.
Thanks for any help.
Best

3rd December 2017, 02:04 PM	#1
kamachate Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 26	An old kindjal for comments Hi all. This is one of my old relics, which I am going to restore (and of course will share after the restoration). I wanted to share it and have your opinions (if you provide ), before the hilt, scabbard, etc... is completed. You will find the detailed measures below, in the figures. Please note that the grip is not symmetrical, has 3 mm width on the holding side, which I think most "kindjal people" are familiar. The thickness of the blade is 5,5 mm, and has a distal taper, 3 mm where the fulers end, and 1,5 mm at the very point. There is an acid etching on the blade, on the strong part, which I thought it was an inscription before, however, apparently nothing but for decoration. I could not find any parallels for years. Although it is quite a thick blade, it has lost its temper, or never had a proper temper, for it is a sturdy beast, but can be bent and not recover its form, if enough force is applied - I was nearly going to bend it, before I realized this May be it is because of the way it is forged. I know very little about this, but I add the photos, may be you can say something. I know it is so hard to provide an origin for these blades, but the mark does not seem to be one of the Georgian of Tbilisi ones. Maybe central Caucasus? I do not think it is Circassian, since it is inherited in a Circassian family. Any comments on the blade, forging, shape, the signature, and even for the decoration style for the restoration is welcome. I am inclined to decorate it in the Circassian style, if it fits Thank you all in advance. Best. Attached Images

3rd December 2017, 02:36 PM	#2
kamachate Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 26	Forgotten second mark I have forgot to mention the second mark on the blade. It is hard to read, but seems to be Cyrillic. It is at the end of the acid etching decoration, near the mark with Arabic script. Here I attach 2 close photos for it. Thanks for any help. Best Attached Images