what have I got here...?

[gp]

Amongst a purchased lot, this knife with as only description "old knife with handle made from horn"
it reminded me of a Japanese one but then again I might be utterly mistaken....
What is this and was it used for : a utility like a kitchen knife, maybe hunting or a fighting one...?

Kindly requested to advise if you know ...thnx a lot !!!

[Rick]

Pretty sure that's a Tibetan Kampa knife.
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/east-bristol-auctions/catalogue-id-sreas10346/lot-e51ef125-1721-45d1-b5c2-aa9d00b18aaa

[gp]

Pretty sure that's a Tibetan Kampa knife.
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/east-bristol-auctions/catalogue-id-sreas10346/lot-e51ef125-1721-45d1-b5c2-aa9d00b18aaa


you're correct; based upon your comment, I found an exact similar one sold half a year ago, clicking on the picture you can see 18 other ones looking like mine ...
although mine is in a lesser condition

https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/68299645-kampa-ancient-sino-tibetan-knife-with-silver-sheath-1-bone-brass-buffalo-horn-copper-leather-silver-textile-bel-coltello-tibetano-con-manico-in-osso-corno-e-fodero-di-pelle-e-argento-lavorato-tibet-early-20th-century

similar ones :

https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/10293695-kampa-tibetan-women-s-knife-tibet-first-half-20th-century
https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/object/tibetan-nomads-silver-knife/
and very interesting: https://ru.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Tibetan%20Kampa%20knife&rs=typed

much obliged for your swift reply and excellent eye !

strange: I couldn't find anything at all on kampa knives in the forum; maybe interesting to start a thread if a member has more info and even some in his collection...?

I found 3 websites containg a little info / note: if it violates forum rule, please delete them:

https://www.greattibettour.com/tibetan-culture/tibetan-knife.html
https://blog.tibettourism.com/tibetan-knife/
https://www.tibettravel.org/tibetan-handicrafts/tibetan-knife.html

[Rick]

You are very welcome. I believe these are also called within the culture, a Woman's knife.

[gp]

You are very welcome. I believe these are also called within the culture, a Woman's knife.

indeed, they have been described as such

https://tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/en/index.php?title=Knife_Culture_of_the_Tibetan_Race

https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/3304427/
https://www.woolleyandwallis.co.uk/departments/african-oceanic-art/tr200923/view-lot/1305/

[Sajen]

Look also for the term "lothi"! ;)

[gp]

Look also for the term "lothi"! ;)

excellent , thnx a lot !

https://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18997&highlight=lothi
https://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26309&highlight=lothi
https://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4216&highlight=lothi

[Sajen]

Here some further information from a Hermann Historica booklet from 1989.