CAMBODIAN KNIFE for COMMENT

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

I do not know what the black, curved horn is, but the horn used in the grip is the horn of water buffalo, or kerbau.

The horns vary in size, and in conformation. The horn of male kerbau is hollow for much of its length, the horn of female kerbau is heavier, more dense, and has the solid section of horn for a greater length.

What I can see in this grip is the horn of a young male.

Logically, one would think that this would be reversed, that males would have the more solid horn, but what I have written above has been told to me many times, by many different people who know a lot more about the subject than I do, so I am pretty much inclined to believe it is so.

Great info & Analysis...not much to add, but in Thai I've heard the romanization also spelled Carabao

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabao

Another tangent is probably the most famous Thai music group is also name Carabao
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabao_(band)

...for which the band has the energy drink, Carabao.. http://www.screamingenergy.com/energy_drink_68.php
which is the less well known/popular rival to the Thai energy drink, Red Bull.

Guess the Bull/ Water Buffalo is thought of well for it's stamina...that reminds me of a recent discussion with friends regarding the Oregon Trail, the west ward pioneer wagon trail...friend told me that the Ox was the preferred beast of burden due to their stamina for the long strenuous journey, not horses as was pictured on the cover of a book we had in hand...but enough digression