A dream come true

[harrywagner]

Have you ever had one of those times when you are negotiating for several really outstanding knives that are being offered, and at a very modest price? That happens to me periodically. I think my pulse must quicken and my breathing becomes slightly irregular because that is usually when my dogs jump on me and wake me up. Not this time though. It was no dream. The seller was a journalist for the AP and later Newsweek, stationed in the Middle East. He was given this jambiya in the 1970s by a member of the Saudi royal family (one of the lesser princelings). It dates to the early 19th century. LOA: 13", LOB 7". Comments are encouraged and welcome.

[David R]

Congratulations on acquiring such a nice piece.

[harrywagner]

Congratulations on acquiring such a nice piece.

Thanks David! This is now, by far, the best item in my small collection.

Any thoughts on cleaning the blade? The blade may be Damascus steel but it is hard to tell in its present condition. Thanks!

Harry

[David R]

Lots of posts and threads on here about blade cleaning, but I would start by simply degreasing and removing dirt, and then give it a light oil. You can always move on from there, but you can never go back.

[drac2k]

WELL DONE ! Sometimes the hunt and the procurement of the item at a reasonable cost (the definition of "reasonable cost," is open to debate between my wife and I), is almost as much fun as owning the artifact .

[kahnjar1]

Nice Jambiya Harry. The hilt style suggests origin to be Jizan (Jazan) region of south western Saudi Arabia, down towards the Yemeni border.
Stu

[CharlesS]

Arabian jambiyas are not my specialty, but I am always tickled to see anyone get their dream piece! Congrats!

We have all been there and many of us know that feeling.

May more good fortune come your way!