Aluminium hilted jambiya

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Lew

Gav

I stand corrected I just went into the room and checked 4 of my Yemen jambiya all 4 balanced just behind the blade and they all had different hilt materials.

Interesting Lew,

I still think a point of balance is moot with form and function of application for a Jambiya of this style and size. Everything has a balance point but what by any nature is the point of a balance point in these.
I can understand a throwing knife requiring a certain point of balance just as I can a sword or rapier but I can't quite grasp the need of a point of balance in these knives.
Can someone please explain

Gav

[spiral]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

} Some chap equiped a whole unit/brigade/regiment with aluminium handle kukries for ww1.

Interestin Tim, every "alluminium " handled kukri Ive ever seen to date is actualy some white "pot" metal mix presumambly including large quatities of zinc when handled..

Research by Andreas with the curator of the Maraajaha of Jodhpurs armoury & museam implys the alloy handled "jodhpur"military kukris were more likely WW2 era than WW1

Originally Posted by freebooter

I can understand a throwing knife requiring a certain point of balance just as I can a sword or rapier but I can't quite grasp the need of a point of balance in these knives.
Can someone please explain
Gav

Intresting Gav, heres my limited observations.

Ive had a dozen or so "proper" jambiya over the years, all but one went home to Saudi, The Emirates etc. or to Yeminis living in Europe over the years.

They all balanced to the decorative/reinforcment metal strip area behind the blade which is identicle to say the British commando fairbourne sykes fighting knife.

Such a balance point makes for greater speed in putting point to target rather than blade heavy pieces which have more chopping power in my observation.

I guess it means speed was of the essence with these mostly light but sharp daggers in the days when they were made to be used if neccasary.

Ive never had one of the 12 inch plus blades though but would guess they have more weight, power & forward balance?


Spiral

[Tim Simmons]

I know diddly squat about Kukris, I was just repeating the lore. We could be back to pots and pans mixed with what ever is around. Would be cheaper than brass, copper and tin alloyed. Pots and pans would be far easier to cut up small to put in a crucible, especially if done with limited fuel resorces? The thing {when you think about it} about aircraft parts would mean people being really careless with, whatever time period, what would be valuable high tech parts? Unless an aircraft is lost in an unacessable place they are usually recovered for study?