Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ian · 12th November 2006, 02:12 PM

Bill:

While there are some features resembling Thai/Burmese knives (dha/daab), I think this knife is not from mainland SE Asia, nor other areas of SE Asia, but rather from further west and north (although I'm not sure quite from where).

The multifullered blade reminds me more of Tibet/China than Burma/Thailand. The marks stamped on the blade are unknown to me, but they are not Burmese, Thai, or from elsewhere in SE Asia AFAIK.

The downcurved handle is interesting and seems well carved and constructed. The carving on the hilt is rather generic, with vines and flowers that could be Burmese, although I get more of a Chinese feeling, especially with the flowers.

While some Burmese knives have a similar handle profile and carved motifs, that's where the similarity ends. IMO the ferrule is not Burmese, or at least it does not look like anything Burmese or Thai that I have seen. Adjacent to the blade there appears to be a multifaceted disk, then a slightly widening ferrule that carries through the same multifaceted style. It is otherwise undecorated. I would expect to see a cylindrical or bell shaped ferrule on Burmese or Thai work, with at least some scoll work or other design decorating it.

Lastly, the scabbard. If it originally comes with this knife then it too is not Burmese or Thai, who did not use leather over wood construction. The treatment of the leather in almost a "shagreen" manner suggests Chinese or Afghan/Pakistan/etc. work.

Putting this together, I think we need to be looking at China/Central or Southern Asia, or thereabouts. The key may lie in the stampings on the blade, which seem to have a vaguely Cyrillic look to some of them. Others will need to sort that out better for you.

An interesting knife Bill, and one that will continue to draw discussion until someone comes up with a more definitive answer for you. Perhaps Philip has some thoughts. Thanks for showing it.

Ian.

12th November 2006, 02:12 PM	#9
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	Interesting piece Bill ... Bill: While there are some features resembling Thai/Burmese knives (dha/daab), I think this knife is not from mainland SE Asia, nor other areas of SE Asia, but rather from further west and north (although I'm not sure quite from where). The multifullered blade reminds me more of Tibet/China than Burma/Thailand. The marks stamped on the blade are unknown to me, but they are not Burmese, Thai, or from elsewhere in SE Asia AFAIK. The downcurved handle is interesting and seems well carved and constructed. The carving on the hilt is rather generic, with vines and flowers that could be Burmese, although I get more of a Chinese feeling, especially with the flowers. While some Burmese knives have a similar handle profile and carved motifs, that's where the similarity ends. IMO the ferrule is not Burmese, or at least it does not look like anything Burmese or Thai that I have seen. Adjacent to the blade there appears to be a multifaceted disk, then a slightly widening ferrule that carries through the same multifaceted style. It is otherwise undecorated. I would expect to see a cylindrical or bell shaped ferrule on Burmese or Thai work, with at least some scoll work or other design decorating it. Lastly, the scabbard. If it originally comes with this knife then it too is not Burmese or Thai, who did not use leather over wood construction. The treatment of the leather in almost a "shagreen" manner suggests Chinese or Afghan/Pakistan/etc. work. Putting this together, I think we need to be looking at China/Central or Southern Asia, or thereabouts. The key may lie in the stampings on the blade, which seem to have a vaguely Cyrillic look to some of them. Others will need to sort that out better for you. An interesting knife Bill, and one that will continue to draw discussion until someone comes up with a more definitive answer for you. Perhaps Philip has some thoughts. Thanks for showing it. Ian.