SE Asian knife ID

Ian · 24th November 2024, 12:30 PM

The distinct bolster turns me away from a Burmese, Thai, Cambodian, or Lao origin. The metal-banded, wooden "box" scabbard suggests Sumatra, Malay States, or perhaps southern China to me. Interesting knife. The silver (?) ferrule does have a SE Asian flavor, but the gradation in width of the ferrule is extreme for a mainland SE Asian knife. At least one of the bands on the scabbard has a clip, suggesting they may have come off an ammo box. WWII vintage perhaps.

More pics on a plain white background would be helpful.

Sajen · 24th November 2024, 02:41 PM

I guess a Southern Thai/Northern Malaysia origin. There are no clips visible?? How long is the knife?

Regards,
Detlef

David R · 24th November 2024, 06:50 PM

Gunong?

Sajen · 24th November 2024, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

Gunong?

Sorry David,

Definitely not!

Sajen · 24th November 2024, 07:57 PM

The knife in question could resemble some Batak knives from Sumatra, for example the used wood for the scabbard and the silver fittings but the style of the silver fittings is just wrong, it's not Batak work. So I guess a Northern Malaysian/Southern Thai origin since I think I have seen similar knives from that region before.

Look at the picture!

Sajen · 24th November 2024, 09:33 PM

Not an exact match but similar!

JeffS · 25th November 2024, 12:39 AM

Nailed it Detlef, thank you. The round integral bolster, ferule, recurve blade, and pronounced curve to the handle are the common features. I can see from the similar box style scabbards on the knives you circled in the group photo that this one is missing a cap as well as a band. Cool to see a transitional piece like this between Malay and Tai.

24th November 2024, 07:57 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,213	The knife in question could resemble some Batak knives from Sumatra, for example the used wood for the scabbard and the silver fittings but the style of the silver fittings is just wrong, it's not Batak work. So I guess a Northern Malaysian/Southern Thai origin since I think I have seen similar knives from that region before. Look at the picture! Attached Images Last edited by Sajen; 24th November 2024 at 09:06 PM.

24th November 2024, 09:33 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,213	Not an exact match but similar! Attached Images

24th November 2024, 12:30 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	The distinct bolster turns me away from a Burmese, Thai, Cambodian, or Lao origin. The metal-banded, wooden "box" scabbard suggests Sumatra, Malay States, or perhaps southern China to me. Interesting knife. The silver (?) ferrule does have a SE Asian flavor, but the gradation in width of the ferrule is extreme for a mainland SE Asian knife. At least one of the bands on the scabbard has a clip, suggesting they may have come off an ammo box. WWII vintage perhaps. More pics on a plain white background would be helpful.

24th November 2024, 02:41 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,213	I guess a Southern Thai/Northern Malaysia origin. There are no clips visible?? How long is the knife? Regards, Detlef

24th November 2024, 06:50 PM	#3
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,120	Gunong?

25th November 2024, 12:39 AM	#7
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 427	Nailed it Detlef, thank you. The round integral bolster, ferule, recurve blade, and pronounced curve to the handle are the common features. I can see from the similar box style scabbards on the knives you circled in the group photo that this one is missing a cap as well as a band. Cool to see a transitional piece like this between Malay and Tai.