Yemeni Jambiya for restoration....but is it worth it?

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Battara

Also some rhino horn can be translucent.

Yes, with the coming of age. But maybe not so bright as David's example(?)

[spiral]

Rhino horn can be translucent & bright in sunlight etc at any age. Depends on the individual horn. Goat,cow or buffalo horn can be translucent to on occasions.

At least it looks like a real blade as well.

The amber jambiyas dont seem to be real amber to me. More a plastic resin mix.

Spiral

[katana]

Thank you all for your replies.

Robert and Fernando, amber was something I had not considered and could be a possibility. The seller describes the hilt as being 'some sort of bone'...but due to the colouration and 'apparent' translucence, assumed rhino a high possibility.

Hi Lew, thank you for the additional info, I agree totally that the silverwork on mine has less quality than the really nice examples you posted.

Hi Spiral, the pics do suggest that the blade is 'real' ( I do hope you are right) and it was this thought that I took the risk and bought it. I understand that a number of recent blades were made with two sheets of steel welded together (I assume that the central ridge contour is 'pressed' on each sheet and gives the illusion of a solid central spine when the two halves are joined)
Also I was under the impression that the translucence of Rhino horn improves with age and handling.....thanks for putting me 'straight'.

I will post a better description and pics when it arrives.


Kind Regards David

[spiral]

Originally Posted by katana

Also I was under the impression that the translucence of Rhino horn improves with age and handling.....thanks for putting me 'straight'.

I didnt say it didnt improve David, I said "Rhino horn can be translucent & bright in sunlight etc at any age."

With care & handling with clean hands it can get a better shine & patina. With unwashed hands it just goes brown & opaque.

But it can start out bright & translucent.

Look forward to the pics. That doesnt look a hollow blade.


Spiral

[Lew]

Spiral

Are you suggesting that since my jambiya's rhino horn is dark and opaque that the original owner had dirty hands .


Lew

[spiral]

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

Spiral

Are you suggesting that since my jambiya's rhino horn is dark and opaque that the original owner had dirty hands .


Lew

Only if it was translucent to begin with Lew!

It might just be dark & opaque rhino horn.


Spiral

[katana]

Dagger received today.......very disappointing

The Rhino / amber is in fact resin/plastic it has a grainy, marbled effect but was confirmed by the 'hot pin' test.

The blade.....is composed of two metal sheets The 'patination' of the blade surface really looks convincing, I think, that perhaps the steel has a quantity of re-cycled metal of differing grades which adds to the illusion.

The 'silver' banding on the hilt (just before the blade) has partially loosened and I can see printed wording on the reverse side, looks like a section of a tin can coated with some dull, silvery material on the 'facing side'.

Who said "the camera never lies....."

Its a real shame (sham ), I was really looking forward to restoring this knife and scabbard ..... with no redeeming features it would be a complete waste of time and effort.

Hopefully, other formites will 'learn' from my mistake...

Never mind....... nothing ventured....nothing gained

Regards David