African knife with copper (?) blade. Info requested!

[Montino Bourbon]

Yep, from that swap meet again... a little (11 inches full length, blade 7 1/2 inches) knife, one side with fine serrations, the other side quite sharp. Good forging, with a double medial ridge. Very simple handle, wood. Provenance? Age? Help!

[Battara]

All I can tell you is that this is indeed copper, which, if I understand correctly, is used only by nobility in parts of Africa.

[shayde78]

So I was looking through old threads to try to find information on another copper/bronze blade I posted in its own thread. However, the comment here that copper was sometimes used for African blades to denote status and/or rank made me think of another item I have. The leather work seems decidedly African (the last two pics should show the hilt and sheath stitching). The blade is decidedly copper. When I bought it, I took the chance that the color of the blade was a weird photo trick from the flash, knowing that it was probably not steel, though. When I saw it in person, I presumed the copper blade was something unloaded on tourists. However, if there is a chance this could have some greater significance, I'm eager to learn more.

Thanks,
-Rob

[Pieje]

Definitely African, probably central Africa.
I own several copper bladed knives and spears. These are not suited to be used as a weapon by the softness of copper, but are indeed symbols of status, used as money etc.

The last knife with scabbard is not very old, and might originate from North Africa.

[shayde78]

The last knife with scabbard is not very old, and might originate from North Africa.


Thanks Pieje!
Regarding the last knife, being of recent manufacture, what is the reason for the copper blade...prestige or a cheap trinket?? Given the cost of copper vs. steel, seems a steal blade would be the more economical choice, no?