Can anyone help identify this knife?

[tool_of_a_took]

Hi guys, I recently won this knife at auction. I’m trying to find out where it came from and how old it is. I’m guessing it’s most likely a tourist piece, but I’ve never seen another one like it and I really like the design.

This was the description on the lot: “African tribal knife, possibly Shona Zimbabwe, the 22cm steel blade with all over punched decoration and antler handle; in inlaid and banded hardwood scabbard with two apertures L42cm overall.”

Done a bit of research using keywords from this description but not found anything yet. Anyone have any idea?

[JeffS]

From Cambodia before Khmer Rouge. Yes, tourist market.

[Ren Ren]

The muntjac deer antler hilt clearly directs our search to Indochina. They were very fond of using in their practices the shamans of the mountain peoples. But in this case, I agree with JeffS' opinion that this is a tourist item from Cambodia.

[tool_of_a_took]

The muntjac deer antler hilt clearly directs our search to Indochina. They were very fond of using in their practices the shamans of the mountain peoples. But in this case, I agree with JeffS' opinion that this is a tourist item from Cambodia.

Awesome, thanks guys, I never would’ve guessed Cambodia

[kronckew]

See also: Ankor Wat (https://www.horniman.ac.uk/object/1990.614/)


Khmer knives from Angkor Wat made of wood and metal. Single-edged with tapering point. Incised on both sides with decorative motifs; with a white metal ferrule and a black hilt, probably of horn, inlaid with white metal dots. In a black wooden sheath with an aperture, with white metal dot inlay and three bands; belt clip. Probably a tourist item. Knife: 210mm long; blade 140mm long; sheath 150mm long.

[tool_of_a_took]

See also: Ankor Wat (https://www.horniman.ac.uk/object/1990.614/)


Khmer knives from Angkor Wat made of wood and metal. Single-edged with tapering point. Incised on both sides with decorative motifs; with a white metal ferrule and a black hilt, probably of horn, inlaid with white metal dots. In a black wooden sheath with an aperture, with white metal dot inlay and three bands; belt clip. Probably a tourist item. Knife: 210mm long; blade 140mm long; sheath 150mm long.

Spot on. I’m finding loads of examples now I have the right keywords. Thanks for the info

[Ren Ren]

See also: Ankor Wat (https://www.horniman.ac.uk/object/1990.614/)

Thanks kronckew! Good example!

[JeffS]

I don't have a photo, but my mother in law purchased one (with antler) as a tourist at Angkor Wat in 1969, nearly identical to OP example.