Sabiki question

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Hi Stu,

I always thought that these were Wahabite knives

Miguel

That's very historically inaccurate. The Wahhabi movement was more of a Najdi movement, their equipment would be similar to the following (with less emphasis on gold) the items shown are after the movement was destroyed by Al-Saud as a strong and active military branch but what they used earlier is of this design.

Now on topic, the rhomboidal bladed dharia (dhurai') is very rare. Its ones with medial ridge, rather that the shape of the blade is... rhomboidal :-) I have one in my collection with a wootz blade.

[A.alnakkas]

Here are two from my collection with rhomboidal blades. One is wootz (needs a proper polish and etch) and one is some sort of folded steel?

Note that its hard to photograph but basically the blade looks something like this <>

[A.alnakkas]

Sabiki refers to a certain type, the fuller silver ones made in Taif in a much older style that is worn through-out Alhijaz.

Now these are not my speciality but from what I understand, the rhomboidal blades are considered to be 'old' by the Arabs who collect these. Kinda makes sense :-)

[harrywagner]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Here are two from my collection with rhomboidal blades. One is wootz (needs a proper polish and etch) and one is some sort of folded steel?

Note that its hard to photograph but basically the blade looks something like this <>

Thank you for sharing these amazing pieces, and for showing us a rhomboidal blade. I imagine they are noticeably heavier than the other two forms?

Harry

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by harrywagner

Thank you for sharing these amazing pieces, and for showing us a rhomboidal blade. I imagine they are noticeably heavier than the other two forms?

Harry

To be honest I have no idea as I did not measure. But these are better made unlike the more recent ones which can be sheet steel.