Possibly Chinese Pichok?

[gp]

Mostly these are of Uzbek origin but as you mention Chinese characters it might well be an Uyghurian Pchak and originating from Yangigisar, an ancient Uyghur city in East Turkestan, which is very well known for making these Uyghur knives.The city has a tradition of gunsmiths and knifemakers passing down from generation to generation going back quite some centuries

[ariel]

I have yet to see Uzbeki Р’chak or Tajiki Pichok with such massive blade. Hieroglyphs establish Uighur origin. And, yes, Yangisar.

I wonder whether knife manufacture is still present there: Uighurs are Muslims and were not very fond of total Chinese control. There were multiple acts if killing local Chinese functionaries, and currently a good chunk of Uighurs are in concentration camps and “ re-education camps” (which is the same). Ownership of “sharpies” is severely controlled. Google : “Authorities in Xinjiang Require Special Permits to Buy Kitchen Knives’’”. Knives are marked with laser—etched QR codes.

[gp]

Originally Posted by ariel

And, yes, Yangisar.

Yangigisar: not to be mistaken with the neighbouring province Yangishar.


Yangigisar (uygur ناھىيىسى ) of Yingjisha County (wale 县) - province Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous area in China and wellknown for its production of tradional Uygur dagger-knives pchak

So Rob, it seems that you'r lucky and have a great catcht if you read the comment in the enclosed link! Congratulations!

https://www.farwestchina.com/travel/...nife-yengisar/

[RobT]

Hi All,

Thanks for your responses. Based on the information you supplied, I went on line and found a site (What is the Pchak knife for? [https://uofa.ru/en/nozh-pchak-dlya-c...chnoi-raboty/]) which gives a pretty good overview of the history, construction, various types, and geographical distribution of Uzbek, Tajik, and Uyghur pchak and cords. The author thinks that the Uyghur knives are the most attractive. As it regards my knife, the site shows a Uyghur knife that is very similar and has the same brass inlay on the blade. Although it is of Uyghur manufacture, the sheath that came with my knife isn't for that type of blade (called a kayke). It is probably for a tugri or a tolbargi (willow leaf) blade. I have always wanted a good pchak and now I want more.

Sincerely,
RobT

[gp]

count me in...

I am also looking for a vintage or antique Uygur one but think it to be a most challenging endeavour
as it will be one requiring a lot of patience and a bag of money.
it had been discussed as well previously:


http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=pchak

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=pchak

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=pchak

[ausjulius]

nothing chinese it is uyghur. VERY recently made. last few decades.... hence the chinese characters.. they probably have to put it on there to sell it..

[RobT]

ausjulius,

Given that "2001" is dot engraved on one side of the blade, there is little doubt that your age assessment is correct. Separatist sentiment aside, I don't know whether or not the Uyghurs by and large consider themselves part of China in the same way that various ethnic groups in US territories (e.g. Puerto Rican Americans) consider themselves but I have seen store signs in Yangigisar which show that Chinese characters (as well as the English alphabet) are commonly used so I don't know if the characters on my knife are a result of government coercion or just the use of a written lingua franca.

Sincerely,
RobT