Nice Old Saudi/Yemen Jambiya

[Lew]

This arrived today. It seems to be a cross between a Saudi and a Yemeni jambiy. The blade is longer and some what narrower than most of the Yemen style jambiyas I have come across. The blade is about 9.5-10 inches long and is very well made with a thick center rib. The hilt is buffalo horn with nice silver fittings. The scabbard has seen better days and is quite worn but in all a very unique jambiya variation. :D


Lew

[TVV]

Quite interesting indeed. I wonder if this is some variation of the jambiyas from Asir - the region used to be part of Yemen before the Saudis conquered it and some combined influence in style seems plausible. I wonder even more what Saqr Al-Anzi's opinion would be - he hasn't been frequent in the forum as of late, but maybe you can contact him by e-mail?

[kahnjar1]

I have this Janbiyya from the Hijaz/Asir region, blade 14". The hilt is quite different but there are some very similar features to the scabbard.

[Michael Blalock]

Yes, Asir, a sabiki like the attached photo.

[kahnjar1]

I realise that this is changing the direction of this thread slightly but since it still deals with this type of knife, I hope it will be excused.
I note that in the pic of the gent with the Sabiki, :) that the hilt is to the left hand of the wearer. I have another pic showing several gents with these knives, and they also all have their hilts to the left.
Is there a reason for this does anyone know??

[Michael Blalock]

Perhaps the negative was reversed?

[kahnjar1]

Not likely as the curve of the Janbiyya is correct way round.......so the original question remains.............. :p

[Emanuel]

I once saw some pictures of Kurdish men wearing the khanjar in the waist sash with the hilt towards the left. I believe this facilitates drawing with the right hand. I tried it, and it's easy to reach with the right hand, draw the khanjar out towards the left or in an upward movement and stab downward or slash towards the right.
The long jambiya's from the Asir could perhaps function as a parying weapon as well, protecting the right arm when drawn and used for slashing.
Drawing with the left hand would only be good for a forward thurst or an underhand stab I think.

Suggestions and speculations :shrug:

Regards,
Emanuel