Help with ID of North African? Jambiya?

Justin · 17th February 2005, 07:39 PM

I picked this up from ebay awhile back.I have seen these here and there listed as jambiyas,koummyas ect but I think it may be a distinct form.Blade is forged and laminated {tried to etch,dont think its made from contrasting steels} has a nice diamond cross section with a gradual taper in thickness from ricasso to point.hilt is definately horn,sheath is leather over aluminum but I think the knife itself may be from more like the early 1900s than WW2,blade looks new in pics but,thats because I cleaned it recently.

Rick · 17th February 2005, 09:16 PM

Hi Justin , it looks sort of like a very simple Marsh Arab form from Southern Iraq .

Justin · 18th February 2005, 02:23 PM

Im glad you said that Rick,I thought it reminded me of a slim wahabite {sp?}.

CharlesS · 18th February 2005, 03:42 PM

I agree with Rick....seems to have all the features and blade curvature of an Iraqi jambiya from the marshes of southern Iraq. But it is just a little more crude than the norm....still interesting.

17th February 2005, 07:39 PM	#1
Justin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 179	Help with ID of North African? Jambiya? I picked this up from ebay awhile back.I have seen these here and there listed as jambiyas,koummyas ect but I think it may be a distinct form.Blade is forged and laminated {tried to etch,dont think its made from contrasting steels} has a nice diamond cross section with a gradual taper in thickness from ricasso to point.hilt is definately horn,sheath is leather over aluminum but I think the knife itself may be from more like the early 1900s than WW2,blade looks new in pics but,thats because I cleaned it recently. Attached Images

18th February 2005, 03:42 PM	#4
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I agree with Rick....seems to have all the features and blade curvature of an Iraqi jambiya from the marshes of southern Iraq. But it is just a little more crude than the norm....still interesting. Last edited by CharlesS; 18th February 2005 at 03:43 PM. Reason: typos

17th February 2005, 09:16 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Hi Justin , it looks sort of like a very simple Marsh Arab form from Southern Iraq .

18th February 2005, 02:23 PM	#3
Justin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 179	Im glad you said that Rick,I thought it reminded me of a slim wahabite {sp?}.