Afghan lohars in Istambul grand bazar

[Billman]

Just seen one on sale online in the USA, and looked at the old (2004) link on the forum http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/002389.html so I thought I'd add my twopenneth worth of ideas...

I have one of these folding sickle knives, although at the time I didn't know anything of its origins, and to be quite honest despite reading all the thoughts on the forum, I guess no-one is 100% sure of its use or significance..

Starting from first principles, they are:

a) ornate
b) not very strong
c) shaped like a sickle

My best guess is this some sort of ornamental, ceremonial or decorative use rather than any real practical use as a weapon or tool... As a defensive weapon it would be useful, but slow to open and get into action - as a tool it would work for cutting light stuff such as grass, straw or reed but not much use for anything woody, and prolonged use would stress it to destruction...

The fact that it doesn't appear in any images or Afghan warrior's dress, and that in the region much of the day to day work is done by women could mean that it is a women's knife - possibly part of a marriage proposal or dowry - given by a man to his (intended) bride????

For more on the word lohar as blacksmith or iron see: http://www.rajasthanvisit.com/Folk_T..._Rajasthan.htm

The picture of the one currently on sale cannot be shown as no active auctions photos allowed.