The Dharia Dagger

[kahnjar1]

Yes indeed these could well be used as a short sword. The two longest I have (2nd to top in bottom pic) is 25" overall and the blade is 16 1/2", (and second from left on the first pic on belt) is 25 1/2" overall with a 19 1/2" blade.
Stu

[A.alnakkas]

Excellent info, Stu. Thanks!

I would like to add that the term dharia is indeed derived from Dhurai'ah which is derived from dhera'a or arm length.

Both the term dhurai'ah and Sabiki refer to these long daggers though sometimes it appears to be regional names rather than type names...

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Excellent info, Stu. Thanks!

I would like to add that the term dharia is indeed derived from Dhurai'ah which is derived from dhera'a or arm length.

Both the term dhurai'ah and Sabiki refer to these long daggers though sometimes it appears to be regional names rather than type names...

I agree.... regional terms used to describe these daggers/short swords do differ. Dharia appears to be the term favoured by the Saudis (King Faisal Center), whereas Sabiki/Sabik/Sabak etc seem to be used in the west and southwest (Yemen area) for these. As stated above, the term Wahabite does not seem to figure in the local descriptive list, and is likely a convenient term used by collectors.
TYPE names are different and relate to the HILT STYLE and BLADE TYPE. I have not included that information here, but it can be found in the publication by the King Faisal Center.
Not all styles shown in my pics are identified by name, but some are. Give me a few days and I will add the information that I have.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

I agree.... regional terms used to describe these daggers/short swords do differ. Dharia appears to be the term favoured by the Saudis (King Faisal Center), whereas Sabiki/Sabik/Sabak etc seem to be used in the west and southwest (Yemen area) for these. As stated above, the term Wahabite does not seem to figure in the local descriptive list, and is likely a convenient term used by collectors.
TYPE names are different and relate to the HILT STYLE and BLADE TYPE. I have not included that information here, but it can be found in the publication by the King Faisal Center.
Not all styles shown in my pics are identified by name, but some are. Give me a few days and I will add the information that I have.

As promised here is the information I have on names given to various hilt styles.
Refer the top pic from left to right:
1.SHBEYL
2.SHBEYL
3.This is NOT a Dharia. It is an Al Mahri Khanjar
4.RASHAQ
5.SAYFANI
6.SHBEYL

Second pic top to bottom:
1.SHBEYL
2.MUQAFFALA or MUFARRAGHA
3. Probably as above but a much earlier piece.
4. Unknown
5.MALSA
6.RASHAQ
7.Unknown Saudia

BLADE NAMES:
Central rib blade is called MUAYYAR
FLAT blade with no rib is called BEYD
Rhomboidal blade with no rib and usually highly polished is called NAFIHI.

As usual I stand corrected if these terms are wrong.

Stu