Khyber Sword

[Steven C.]

Hi, was just interested in some general history of this sword. Having been looking through the topics on it, I've seen lots of them and their very attractive weapons. I dont much care for the shorter ones but the good long, thick heavy looking ones definately intrigue me.

Just looking for some info on these swords. How it was used, how effective a weapon it is, who used it, etc.

And of course, asides from ebay and the forum (ebay has none) .. where to get one? ;p

[kronckew]

are you talking about the salawar yataghan, a.k.a. the khyber knife, like this one of mine?: (22in blade, 5.5in grip)

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s231/kronckew/khyber.jpg

the best thing is they are not thick, they have a reasonably thin blade with a 'T' section spine to provide stiffness & thus are fairly light and maneuverable. mine feels realy good in the hand, i've also got a thicker modern indian copy that feels like a piece of rebar in comparison.

i got this one a few months ago on ebay, it was listed as a 'jungle machete' in an estate sale....

they were used by the hill tribes (pathans) in the khyber pass area of northern india/afghanistan (and now pakistan) also known as the hindu kush.
http://www.mondovista.com/gog6.jpg

musta been pretty effective as they made alot of them.....