A 'battle weary' Afghan Knife....comments and advice please

katana · 18th October 2007, 05:49 PM

My first Afghan Knife, nice blade, with a 'yataghan' curve approx 25" long and 2" at its widest. Hilt has seen better days, the top (brass ?) strip which covers the 'tang' is missing (which I would like to repair) The grips are horn with no movement the brass sections move slightly.
The scabbard has lost its leather covering, has a number of splits with some loss of wood. The chape is brass and very ornate, interestingly there are different designs on each side.

Could the blade be wootz, there does seem to be some patterning, but I am reluctant to remove the very old patina.

Any advice as to restoration, comments etc, as usual, gratefully received.

18th October 2007, 05:49 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	A 'battle weary' Afghan Knife....comments and advice please My first Afghan Knife, nice blade, with a 'yataghan' curve approx 25" long and 2" at its widest. Hilt has seen better days, the top (brass ?) strip which covers the 'tang' is missing (which I would like to repair) The grips are horn with no movement the brass sections move slightly. The scabbard has lost its leather covering, has a number of splits with some loss of wood. The chape is brass and very ornate, interestingly there are different designs on each side. Could the blade be wootz, there does seem to be some patterning, but I am reluctant to remove the very old patina. Any advice as to restoration, comments etc, as usual, gratefully received. Attached Images