Unusual, Attractive Burmese Knife/Chopper

[CharlesS]

This Burmese knife, or chopper, is quite a unique and attractive piece minus the 1/4in. loss to the top of the hilt carving. The blade is rather light but the bolster fitted to the hilt is all business, so I am not sure if this was meant to be a weapon or tool. The blade looks like it may be laminated, but I have not etched it.

I'd love to learn more about this type of blade if any of our Burmese experts are familiar with it.

Dimensions:
Overall length: 16in.
Blade length: 11.5in.
Blade's widest point: 1.75in.

[DaveA]

The blade resembles a chopper I have. Mine is called "mead peek nok" (birds wing knife) in Thai. As i understand, similar firms are found in Laos and Vietnam. More info on my website at atkinson-swords.com (http://atkinson-swords.com)

[CharlesS]

I have since learned from a source who prefers not to write on this forum, that the blade is actually likely a English made carving knife set with a Burmese hilt. Likely this piece was part of a set and would have included at least a large matching fork and perhaps more pieces. The thick bolster matches those seen on similar English blade types.

This was not at all the explanation I was expecting, but makes perfect sense as the Brits included Burma within their empire. I am sure there were many colonials there that would have been impressed by the artistic quality of these hilts.

[CharlesS]

Here is an example of such an English carving knife complete with the rest of the set.