A Dawshan Jambiya

[harrywagner]

Here is one I present for the simple joy of seeing an unusual and beautiful knife. This is a Dawshan Jambiya. It is worn by the Dawshan class in Yemen. They are "sort of" the western equivalent of the town crier. I believe it is from the Taiz area and dates to the early-mid 20th. There is a knife almost exactly like this one In Mr. Gracie's book (pg 126) and another, although much fancier, on the cover. This is one I don't see everyday. I was torn between buying this knife and a gorgeous Omani 7 ringer, but could only afford one. I chose this one and I am thrilled with my choice.

BTW - I bought this from the good folks at oriental-arms, who I am happy to recommend. They do not disappoint.

[ariel]

That's what I call a real stuff!

[ALEX]

Harry, I agree - no surprises from Oriental-Arms, they're among few who do not disappoint.
Does this Jambiya called Gusbi?

[A.alnakkas]

A very good example!

Harry, I agree - no surprises from Oriental-Arms, they're among few who do not disappoint.
Does this Jambiya called Gusbi?

Gusbi is a term for blades. Steve Gracie's book talks about this type and others. Its a must have.

[harrywagner]

Harry, I agree - no surprises from Oriental-Arms, they're among few who do not disappoint.
Does this Jambiya called Gusbi?

Hi Alex,
It's slightly confusing since there is a style of Jambiya commonly called a Gusbi and "Gusbi" also refers to a blade with a thickened mid-section and central ridge. I don't think it would be completely accurate to call this style Gusbi, but I would the blade.

[kahnjar1]

Very nice piece Harry. The OA description said quality silver dress but this looks quite dull. Is it just dirty/tarnished?
Stu

[harrywagner]

Very nice piece Harry. The OA description said quality silver dress but this looks quite dull. Is it just dirty/tarnished?
Stu

I think it will cleanup really nice. The silver appears to be good quality. The silver work is certainly impressive. It makes me wonder how many person hours went into making one like this.

[Helleri]

Ash and a soft bristle brush makes silver shine.

[Kubur]

Hi Alex,
It's slightly confusing since there is a style of Jambiya commonly called a Gusbi and "Gusbi" also refers to a blade with a thickened mid-section and central ridge. I don't think it would be completely accurate to call this style Gusbi, but I would the blade.


Hi,
Here a gusbi
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5735&highlight=gusbi
It's not a blade, its a style of jambiya for the beduins around Aden and in the Hadramaut.
And to my opinion, yours is from the same family and the same area...not a gusbi but very close...
Best,
Kubur

[A.alnakkas]

Hi,
Here a gusbi
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5735&highlight=gusbi
It's not a blade, its a style of jambiya for the beduins around Aden and in the Hadramaut.
And to my opinion, yours is from the same family and the same area...not a gusbi but very close...
Best,
Kubur

This is actually not true. The correct term Gusbi (pronounced Gasabi) refers to a blade type. And yes the style you linked is used by bedouins but its not called gusbi.

[kahnjar1]

I agree with Lofty here. The term "Gusbi" has been used by collectors to describe these jambiya with upturned chapes, in much the same way as "wahabite" is used to describe the sabiki types of western Arabia. The term "Gusbi" relates to the blade, not the scabbard style.
Stu

[Kubur]

Hi Both,

I see what you mean, you took it from Gracie's book. You are not wrong.
But collectors and specialists such as Elgood use the word Gusbi for this kind of daggers and I''ll do the same.

Best,
Kubur