Unusual knife, Libya maybe? but not sure

[Kmaddock]

Hi,
A Czech contact sent me on these images of a knife he thinks his Dad got in Libya in the 1950's
what do you think it is?
Regards
Ken

[Gavin Nugent]

A real nice Somali piece mate.

[Marc M.]

Yes, Somali bilao knife.
Good one.

Regards
Marc

[Kmaddock]

Thank you both for the info
Ken

[napoleon]

somalia bilal i think they are called

[werecow]

The pommel seems somewhat unusual, right? AFAIK they usually have a trilobed pommel (e.g. see attached).

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by werecow

The pommel seems somewhat unusual, right? AFAIK they usually have a trilobed pommel (e.g. see attached).

Single silver spire is also correct for the type and I think the only type seen on these hippo tooth examples.

[Rafngard]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

Single silver spire is also correct for the type and I think the only type seen on these hippo tooth examples.

Is hippo tooth what these are made of? I've seen "marine ivory" used as a description most often. I have one, but I can't quite tell.

Also, I have one one sword length example with a single spike, but it's not silver.

Thanks,
Leif