Somewhat Unusual Omani Khanjar for Comment

[Lew]

Ok it's rhino

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Yep Thats Rhino ... Theres the translucent edges !! The Omanis consider various things when sussing out their Khanjars.. The first is the Hilt. So Hilt is vital ! To the collector Rhino horn hilts is like owning a Rolls Royce... very sad because of the rhino demise . I have about 30 of these weapons and Im carefull not to select Rhino or Elephant. The great test for a Khanjar dagger by the way is to try to pick it up by the point with the thumb and first two fingers. It should be impossible with a proper, full on, top quality dagger.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Great picture of the Rhino Hilt ... Did you decide on where it was from because I have to say I think its from Saudia. Close to Oman in the border area or possibbly Yemen close to Oman. The Khanjars there are very similar to Omani daggers and often have 7 rings mimicking the Omani 7 ringers from the Sharqiyyah (Eastern Oman Senaw to Sur area) but absolutely narrower. Skinny is what I would agree they are yes skinnier. I wouldnt mind betting it had 7 rings on it ... I go for Oman Saudia border but a Saudi variant.

[TVV]

Thank you Ibrahiim, my knowldge of khanjars is very limited and therefore I started this thread with the hope of finding out where this one is from. The velvet, the turquoise stones and the unusual decoration scheme on the scabbard had me thinking of a possible Indian or Central Asian connection.

Right now though, I would much rather go with your suggestion of an Omani/Saudi border region origin, as this is based on your personal observations as someone with extensive and local knowldge on the subject of khanjars. Those subtle differences, such as the "scinnier" scabbard shape, etc., is something that must have taken years to learn and I am thankful for all the knowldge you are sharing here.

Regards,
Teodor

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Recently we sent "the camera" into the Sur region and took a few pictures of Omani Khanjar silver technique and silver stitched belts. Here are a few pictures. The belt stitching is self explanatory...
The Khanjar Scabbard~ Note that the silver pattern is applied to a strip of leather the same shape as the lower khanjar scabbard body. The actual internal body of the scabbard is wooden~ shown. The wooden body is backed with leather or felt, then the entire silver decoration is stitched to the front attaching tightly to the backing thus encasing the wooden body in a delightful silver pattern. Note; After this the crown is added and the ringed "belt" section and platework "upper belt". (not shown)

[Atlantia]

Teodor,

It's an interesting pair of Khanjars you have there.
Have you cleaned them up at all?
I'm particularly taken by the decoration on the second one (the more typical one). I've never seen a heart depicted on one before.

Best
Gene

[Nathaniel]

Great photos Ibrahiim! It is fascinating to see craftsman at work! Thank you very much for sharing with us all!

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Recently we sent "the camera" into the Sur region and took a few pictures of Omani Khanjar silver technique and silver stitched belts. Here are a few pictures. The belt stitching is self explanatory...
The Khanjar Scabbard~ Note that the silver pattern is applied to a strip of leather the same shape as the lower khanjar scabbard body. The actual internal body of the scabbard is wooden~ shown. The wooden body is backed with leather or felt, then the entire silver decoration is stitched to the front attaching tightly to the backing thus encasing the wooden body in a delightful silver pattern. Note; After this the crown is added and the ringed "belt" section and platework "upper belt". (not shown)

Thank you for sharing art work in the making, something many of us here would never get to see first hand.

Gavin

[Atlantia]

Ibrahiim,

Just to follow on whats been said. Excellent pictures and information thank you.
Lovely work and nice to see how it's done!
Best
Gene