Mystery dagger
 

I just picked this up from Artzi over at Oriental Arms. I don't think it was displayed long enough anybody else to see it. He wasn't sure of what it was or where it was from, and neither am I. The binding on the sheath looks South Asian, the chip carving on the sheath looks like it's from the Balkans, the blade is well forged and nicely fullered, and I don't have the slightest idea of where it's from. Help! This forum is my only hope!

The blade does seem to have a slightly African form. It feels really good in the hand, an absolutely functional blade.

The scabbard is 100% from Nepal, the carved design is identical to that found on many wooden kukri & knife scabbards.

The blade could also be Nepali manufacture, looking at it.

Ill dig out some photos....

Spiral


Edited for pic.
Heres one of Dereks kuks over at IKRHS.

http://www.ikrhs.com/forums/download/file.php?id=463

http://www.ikrhs.com/forums/download/file.php?id=461

you're right… The carving is absolutely Nepali, as is the wrapping. Now how about the blade? Have you ever seen anything like it?

It's absolutly not African. The forme of the blade look like Hausa, but the work is very different.

Not that I recall, {Havent checked my photo libary though, this is all of the top of the head.}but the style of manufacture is very Nepalese Kami though & the factors & contracters there will make any design you wish, They regulary make stuff for westerners from photos or originals sent to them, according to what one of the main kukri exporters has told me. That includes many non traditional designs, bowies etc.

Artzi has had many Nepalese kukri & knives over the years with identicaly carved scabbards,{ I bought one of him about 9 years ago.} So it might be worth asking what he thinks about it, Hes seen so much after all. ;)

Spiral

So your the one who beat to the punch ;). Definately from Nepal probably second half of the 20th century.

yeah, I like unusual things. It popped up and I hesitated... for a few hours. It's a very unusual design; it also reminds me of a keris buda. Do you think an etch would reveal something?

Indeed Lew! ;)



Etching will reveal something, what though is another questian!

Probably mono steel hopefully differentialy tempered, but in Nepal one never truly knows, if made from recycled steel it could be anything...

A light etch will reveal all & can be easily polished out again, if required..

Spiral

Etching might reveal some nice "jelly roll" pattern welded damascus which is quite specific of Nepal blades...

I think with a little study you will find, "jelly roll" as you call it is typicaly Tibetan.

Ive seen a few "hairpin" kukri , but never anything Nepali style with "jelly roll"

Have you an example? It would be interesting to see.

Spiral

You are right, rolled pattern is Tibetan, not Nepali. My mistake !

Regards,

Bernard

Cheers Bernard, I must admit Id love to see a kukri with "jelly roll" one day ;)

spiral

I could make one for you, but I don't think this is what you're looking for...
:D