Indo-Persian knife for comment

[Ian]

A while back on the old forum I posted pictures of the knife below. The blade shape is similar to the one at the start of this thread, although the hilt is obviously different.

Thoughts then was that my knife was likely from Afghanistan or nearby Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, etc.).

Ian.

[spiral]

Fascinating! In this picture it shows an eared handle, do you guys realy think thats central asian? I still say Turkish myself.

Here a knife of mine of similar style with an unusual very fine wootz or laminated steel blade.

I think mine is from India or Russia {Bokarra} but still think the featured eared dagger is from further west, but I am just a collector, nothing more.

Always interested to hear others views though.

Spiral

[Rick]

A comment on the piece that started this thread :
What an interesting wootz pattern , I cant get over how 'loose' it is ..

[Jim McDougall]

Nice acquisition Guy!
I completely agree with Central Asian attribution, and Ariels notes. This is likely Uzbek from regions closer to now Afghanistan. The most applicable term would probably be 'bytshak' which is spelled various ways. See article "Some Nineteenth Century Arms from Bukhara" by Torben Flindt (in "Islamic Arms & Armour" ed. Robert Elgood, pp.20-29). Rick's note pointing out the pesh kabz in Buttin brings attention to the interesting recurve on the blade which seems atypical in the bytshak. This same recurve is also found on N. Indian khanjars. The interesting chiseling and choil type work on the back of the blade at the terminus of the back edge is also Central Asian characteristic.
The cleft pommel is well known on many Central Asian edged weapons and is seen on examples of Uzbek and Afghan shashkas.
Best regards,
Jim

[spiral]

quote "The cleft pommel is well known on many Central Asian edged weapons and is seen on examples of Uzbek and Afghan shashkas.
Best regards,
Jim"

AAAAhhh, I see, thats great, I learn more evry time I visit here.

Spiral

[Jim McDougall]

Spiral,
Me too!!!
Best regards,
Jim

[Jeff D]

Originally Posted by Rick

A comment on the piece that started this thread :
What an interesting wootz pattern , I cant get over how 'loose' it is ..

Hi All,

I agree with Rick, this is a very strange wootz pattern?? Could this be Arab Damascus?

Jeff

[GuyM]

And I learn more than any of you! This is great! Thanks for all the input.

I've attached another picture of the handle, the cleft is quite deep.
The wootz is very pleasent I must say, sort of 'watery'. That's certainly what decided me into buying it. I've attached another picture of the pattern for you enjoyment :-)

[Rick]

Guy , I'd love to see a close up of that blade taken in natural light .
It is a most fascinating wootz pattern .

[GuyM]

Originally Posted by Rick

Guy , I'd love to see a close up of that blade taken in natural light .
It is a most fascinating wootz pattern .

All the previous picures except for the very last one have been taken in natural light (and it shows, the last one is definitely not as good as the previous ones). But I will take some more pictures as soon as daylight is back :-), concentrating on the wootz pattern. I have to say that taking pictures of such a delicate feature of the metal is quite a challenge!