Stu,
What's the blade like on yours? Is it sharp? What's the steel like?
The blade on Ibrahiims example looks completely flat with simple fullers, almost like a long machete blade.
Now that's not to say that the machete isn't a formidable weapon! Hell, it was probobly the most widely used 'sword' in Africa in the 20thC!
Although they are clearly the same type, Ibrahiims looks new and yours looks to have some age.
I have to say that as a tourist souvenir these would seem on the face of it to be somewhat impractical.
Often an item made to attract the eye of the traveller is 'pretty' on the outside with a blade that ranges from 'just usable' to completely unusable and purely decorative.
Your sword seems to flip this trend.
I can't see these being popular with todays travellers.
If they wanted a souvenir then surely the veritable flood of Jambiya, Khanjar and genuinely 'decorative' (and attractive) daggers that are being pushed by every street trader would be the obvious and preferred choice?
Just my thoughts.
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