Shibriya

Bob A · 3rd June 2020, 08:54 AM

I'm generally ignorant regarding shibrya, but the blade looks good to me. If the in-hand qualities of the knife indicate its suitability for actual tasks, I'd say it makes no difference whether it's a tourist item or one that would be used by a local. A good knife is a good knife.

Function is the key. Bling is an added attraction, so long as it doesn't detract from function. IMO, of course.

I'd certainly take it off your hands if you decide you can't live with the amiguity!

David R · 3rd June 2020, 12:17 PM

A modern one in wear on a Jordanian Policeman. I think that as with a lot of things, cost and occasion have a lot to do with decoration and etc.

Hombre · 4th June 2020, 11:54 AM

Again, thank you so very much, guys!

Best,
Stefan

motan · 4th June 2020, 04:41 PM

Hi Stefan,
You seem to be on a shibriya buying campaign. This is your third one in the last couple of weeks.
I will try to explain it, but this involves a lot of guess work.
Despite having many Jordanian characteristics, I think that you have a Palestinian one again, dating to the 1950's or 60's.
It has the stones/glass bead typical of shibriyas from Jordan, as well as the "medallions" on the pommel and the twisted wire decoration with rings on the scabbard. However, the simple decoration is not right for this type from Jordan and I suspect it is imitating the original style. The blade, like in most Palestinian shibriyas is broad, thick, sturdy and relatively well-made.
In the picture, one from my collection that has some similarities and is certainly Palestinian. A fried who is well connected with old local collectors and has about 10 of this type told me it probably comes from the Gaza/Rafa area.
One sign is that the wood of the scabbard, where the blade is inserted, is covered with metal sheet. Is it? If all true, this is not a tourist item as there was no bazaar market in that time and area.
One last advise. If you really want older and better shibriyas, look for a narrower and more curvy blade.
Eytan

Hombre · 5th June 2020, 06:54 PM

One sign is that the wood of the scabbard, where the blade is inserted, is covered with metal sheet. Is it?
Yes, it is!

Thank you s very much, Eytan. I really appreciate it!

Best,
Stefan

3rd June 2020, 12:17 PM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,119	A modern one in wear on a Jordanian Policeman. I think that as with a lot of things, cost and occasion have a lot to do with decoration and etc. Attached Images

4th June 2020, 04:41 PM	#4
motan Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Jerusalem Posts: 274	Hi Stefan, You seem to be on a shibriya buying campaign. This is your third one in the last couple of weeks. I will try to explain it, but this involves a lot of guess work. Despite having many Jordanian characteristics, I think that you have a Palestinian one again, dating to the 1950's or 60's. It has the stones/glass bead typical of shibriyas from Jordan, as well as the "medallions" on the pommel and the twisted wire decoration with rings on the scabbard. However, the simple decoration is not right for this type from Jordan and I suspect it is imitating the original style. The blade, like in most Palestinian shibriyas is broad, thick, sturdy and relatively well-made. In the picture, one from my collection that has some similarities and is certainly Palestinian. A fried who is well connected with old local collectors and has about 10 of this type told me it probably comes from the Gaza/Rafa area. One sign is that the wood of the scabbard, where the blade is inserted, is covered with metal sheet. Is it? If all true, this is not a tourist item as there was no bazaar market in that time and area. One last advise. If you really want older and better shibriyas, look for a narrower and more curvy blade. Eytan Attached Images

3rd June 2020, 08:54 AM	#1
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 435	I'm generally ignorant regarding shibrya, but the blade looks good to me. If the in-hand qualities of the knife indicate its suitability for actual tasks, I'd say it makes no difference whether it's a tourist item or one that would be used by a local. A good knife is a good knife. Function is the key. Bling is an added attraction, so long as it doesn't detract from function. IMO, of course. I'd certainly take it off your hands if you decide you can't live with the amiguity!

4th June 2020, 11:54 AM	#3
Hombre Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 232	Again, thank you so very much, guys! Best, Stefan

5th June 2020, 06:54 PM	#5
Hombre Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 232	One sign is that the wood of the scabbard, where the blade is inserted, is covered with metal sheet. Is it? Yes, it is! Thank you s very much, Eytan. I really appreciate it! Best, Stefan