Help to Identify African Knives / Swords

Tim Simmons · 13th October 2007, 07:41 PM

Rod you could follow this old thread.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...throwing+knife
The TK you have does appear to have been cut rather than forged. The wood casing is quite odd I wonder what Luc or Freddy may have to say. Although a little rough compered to older weapon and prestige versions I would hesitate from saying it was just a decorative thing perhaps for tourists. Perhaps pm Luc?

Rod Charters · 13th October 2007, 11:05 PM

Thanks Tim thats been very helpful. I'll PM Luc,

Rod

Luc LEFEBVRE · 13th October 2007, 11:35 PM

Hi Rod,
Tim is right, this is a poor copy of a Kipinga (sorry), the major throwing knife of the Zande who lives in the north-east of Congo (RDC) just under the Ubangi river.
They where great warriors with a big organized army and have a specific shield where they store 2 or 3 throwing knives.
The TK never have wood handle, only "flexible" material, and just at the base of the stem for a good grip, not in the middle.
The engraving on the blade ,which looks like a man, is a chameleon, a totemic animal and a symbol of a very fast strike.
The Kipinga is a good TK which has a good comportment in flight.
http://lulef.free.fr/html/zande.html

Luc

Rod Charters · 13th October 2007, 11:44 PM

Thanks to both of you and good to know next time I get offered an "African Chiefs Knife".

13th October 2007, 11:35 PM	#3
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 473	Hi Rod, Tim is right, this is a poor copy of a Kipinga (sorry), the major throwing knife of the Zande who lives in the north-east of Congo (RDC) just under the Ubangi river. They where great warriors with a big organized army and have a specific shield where they store 2 or 3 throwing knives. The TK never have wood handle, only "flexible" material, and just at the base of the stem for a good grip, not in the middle. The engraving on the blade ,which looks like a man, is a chameleon, a totemic animal and a symbol of a very fast strike. The Kipinga is a good TK which has a good comportment in flight. http://lulef.free.fr/html/zande.html Luc Attached Images

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13th October 2007, 07:41 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,940	Rod you could follow this old thread. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...throwing+knife The TK you have does appear to have been cut rather than forged. The wood casing is quite odd I wonder what Luc or Freddy may have to say. Although a little rough compered to older weapon and prestige versions I would hesitate from saying it was just a decorative thing perhaps for tourists. Perhaps pm Luc?

13th October 2007, 11:05 PM	#2
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Thanks Tim thats been very helpful. I'll PM Luc, Rod

13th October 2007, 11:44 PM	#4
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Thanks to both of you and good to know next time I get offered an "African Chiefs Knife".