Help with knife & sword ID, please

DaveF · 18th June 2026, 10:35 PM

I was sent this photo of a knife and sword acquired by a friend at a brocante in France. He'd cleaned the sword, but not the knife. They were labelled African, which would be my guess as well.
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

DaveF · 18th June 2026, 11:31 PM

I'm checking with my friend whether or not the sword is laminated, as the photo suggests. South East Asia?

Tim Simmons · 19th June 2026, 02:01 PM

I had one and I am pretty sure they are North African . Bring backs North African ww2 so a vast area.

DaveF · Yesterday, 01:17 PM

Thanks Tim. As you say, "North Africa" covers a big area.

This thread's had over a thousand views already, but only one comment. I suppose that could mean that the blades are vanishingly rare or that they're too mundane to comment on.

The sword blade is laminated, apparently.

colin henshaw · Yesterday, 01:58 PM

I've never seen hilts like these before (maybe inspired by European hilts ?) North Africa somewhere seems most likely looking at the sheaths...are they made of leather ?

Interesting...

18th June 2026, 10:35 PM	#1
DaveF Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Lancashire, England Posts: 55	Help with knife & sword ID, please I was sent this photo of a knife and sword acquired by a friend at a brocante in France. He'd cleaned the sword, but not the knife. They were labelled African, which would be my guess as well. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Attached Images

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18th June 2026, 11:31 PM	#2
DaveF Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Lancashire, England Posts: 55	I'm checking with my friend whether or not the sword is laminated, as the photo suggests. South East Asia?

19th June 2026, 02:01 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,999	I had one and I am pretty sure they are North African . Bring backs North African ww2 so a vast area.

Yesterday, 01:17 PM	#4
DaveF Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Lancashire, England Posts: 55	Thanks Tim. As you say, "North Africa" covers a big area. This thread's had over a thousand views already, but only one comment. I suppose that could mean that the blades are vanishingly rare or that they're too mundane to comment on. The sword blade is laminated, apparently.

Yesterday, 01:58 PM	#5
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,432	I've never seen hilts like these before (maybe inspired by European hilts ?) North Africa somewhere seems most likely looking at the sheaths...are they made of leather ? Interesting...