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Old 1st July 2012, 07:38 PM   #8
ariel
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
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I am looking at it and think ... South Aravian.... The Sinai/Negev beduin sabres do not have either D-guards or quillons. They also do not have the cavity at the top of the handle, which is a common feature of N. African or Aravian sabers. That being said, nothing is impossible: the whole area was in a constant flux of beduin tribes, and mixed forms are dime a dozen. Also, the fact I never saw one does not mean they do not exist. I like these rugged, crude and unostentatious weapons very much.
I have been given a present of a "real" beduin sword from the Negev, newly made: a bastardized version of a Turkish kilij ( handle and crossguard) and home made shamshir-like blade made on a grinding wheel. Nothing touristy about it, it was specially made as a present to a very respected doctor in gratitude for saving sheik son's life. Top of the line. That was the modern beduin impression of the luxury sword :-) Times are changing...
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