Yemeni jambiya and Omani khanjar fake rivets
 

Hi Guys

Can someone explain why Omani khanjar and Yemeni jambiya have fake rivets?
Rivets go through the hilt but they don't fix the short tang of the blade.

I can see 4 explanations

1/ In the past jambia had long tangs going all along the hilt
2/ In the past jambiya had hilts or grips made of two parts
3/ The rivets are just practical, to assure a good position of the hand
4/ A combinaison of two of the three above

Any solid clue???

It is a strange fact that Omani Khanjars certainly have a short tang about half an inch and that a small depth of about a quarter inch of the base of the blade also slots into the hilt for added support.

The two buttons usually silver sometimes are placed in what seem to be the position of ''through rivvets'' but as you point out that would seem fake as they are only surface decoration, however, note that this is not the case in all Khanjar Omani forms and a lot don't have these fake button? rivvets.

I agree that the weapon must be weakened by not having through the hilt rivets and rely on this slot arrangement and the use of glue to secure the blade better. Indian Khanjar have rivets in the daggers we know as Tiger Tooth... The Yemeni Jambia may be similar to the Omani fixing method but it is out of my sphere.

I have no evidence pointing otherwise to a riveted hilt/tang although it may have been in the distant past but I doubt it.. What I think is "form" with Omani Khanjars is the ability to switch parts and the simplicity at which a blade or hilt can become part of a new build is where I suggest the system originates.

Properly fitted and glued the weapon is fairly secure and rigid.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi.