Small Indian (?) dagger for ID

[russel]

Hello all,

I received this little dagger recently. I am curious what members think its origin might be. It has a distinctly Indian/Nepalese feel about it.

It is 22cm OAL, with a 12.5 cm blade. Thickness of blade 4.2mm with no distal taper. The numerals "11" are stamped into the butt of the handle, does anyone know what this is?

Cheers, Russel

[DaveA]

The shape of the blade reminds of some kirpans I have seen. The kirpan is the traditional ceremonial dagger carried by all devout Sikhs.

[russel]

I had thought it might be a Kirpan, but I am unsure of what exactly defines one. Other than being a small knife carried by a Sikh, what are their features?