UNUSUAL WOOTZ DAGGER

[ALEX]

An unusual and interesting dagger with wootz blade and ivory handle. The shape of both blade and handle are not of typical Indo-Persian type, although wootz and gold inlay are.
I hope RSWORD will be able to elaborate more, as one of his interests is in unusual wootz weapons. Any other comments are most welcome.

[RSWORD]

Alex,

That is an interesting and unusual dagger that you share. I have not seen a similar dagger before. I would lean towards India as an attribution for this one based on the koftgari. The shape of the handle and its facets reminds me of a pistol grip. The blade shape and the handle shape remind me of some Indonesian weapons, namely the badik. With the extensive trade between India and Sumatra it is plausible that some influences found their way back to India. After all, there are many weapons in Sumatra influenced by Indian weaponry so why not the reverse? Just a theory but opens the door for an interesting cross cultural piece. And of course, lovely wootz!

[Sajen]

Very nice dagger, thank's for sharing.

[TKV]

very interesting dagger, unusual shape, i guess indo-persian piece

[CharlesS]

Alex,

Any chance this is a very nicely recycled sword blade??

[ALEX]

I thought about it, Charles. I do not think it is a cut-down sword as the blade is quite thin. In the case of cut-down sword, it'd be more rigid and tapered toward the edge. This blade it flat, with almost spherical inward taper toward the center of the blade. I also do not think it was re-grunt, as it'd adversely affect the quality of wootz pattern. I quite agree with Rick as to India-Indonesian cross-cultural connection, and Indian origin as perhaps a trade/gift item for Indonesian/Sumatran market. My initial thoughts were in this direction before I started guessing about what else could it be:-) Thanks to all!

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Alex,
A nice knife, the blade profile tends to make me think it was designed as a dedicated cutting instrument as against a stabbing/cutting weapon therefore there may be a utility aspect as well as a decorative one. The edge looks as if it has been sharpened on more than one occasion although it is difficult to tell without having it in hand. Whatever it is it certainly looks nice.
Regards,
Norman.