Celon Knife.

Emanuel · 2nd April 2007, 02:08 AM

Is there any cultural, geographical or temporal distinction between the pihas with a tip that angles towards the edge, and those that curve towards the spine? I noticed this in a number of pieces and I am wondering whether the backwards sweep is due to the blade having been broken.

For comparisons, I'm adding a picture from Oriental-Arms. In this example the sheath follows the same curvature, possibly indicating it was original.

Regards,
Emanuel

derek · 2nd April 2007, 03:01 AM

Hi Manolo,

Take a look at this article:
http://www.pihakaetta.com/sinhala_weapons_armor_low.pdf

Page 8 mentions different names for piha variations. I've noted this before, but "piha kaetta" is a Stone term that is a little contradictory in Sinhalese, but it is in fact used to describe one specific type of chopping knife. "Piha" denotes the decorative knife like we are discussing. "Da Kaetta" is a more utilitarian chopping knife.

Anyway, to answer your question, yes there are many specific names for piha variations such as Ul Piha (the slender straight example you posted), Gal Mita Piha (the kind with the crystal or jade handles), Vak Piha (curved blade), etc.

Sorry, the PDf is a rough scan, but readable if you're interested.

-d

Tim Simmons · 2nd April 2007, 07:14 AM

Thanks for the information. I do not think the blade is wootz. You are welcome to use the pic, I find that rather a compliment. Are these really a fighting knife? It is sharp or was very sharp. Would give a terrible slash or chop. Perhaps more defencive?

Emanuel · 2nd April 2007, 02:26 PM

Thank you very much Derek, I missed that file on your website. I'll get to reading it.

Emanuel

derek · 2nd April 2007, 05:07 PM

Tim,

I have never seen a wootz blade on a piha. Most look to be laminated and possibly some were differentially hardened similar to a Japanese sword. Many of mine have striations in steel very much like the older kukris I have.

I have one piha with very distinct streaks of nickel in the blade.

There is a reference to the fine quality ore found in Ceylon in at least one of my articles. I'll see if I can find it. Most people don't think that quality was reflected in the blades produced there.

From what I've read, the more ornate metalwork on the scarbbards (like yours) came later. That and the elaborate work on the knife itself would be indicative of a gift to honour a person of rank, possibly worn by a chief. I doubt it would have been a useful fighting knife! The phrase "just sit there and look pretty" comes to mind.

I don't know for certain what a fighting piha would be, but maybe it was a plainer version like this:

2nd April 2007, 02:08 AM	#1
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	A question... Is there any cultural, geographical or temporal distinction between the pihas with a tip that angles towards the edge, and those that curve towards the spine? I noticed this in a number of pieces and I am wondering whether the backwards sweep is due to the blade having been broken. For comparisons, I'm adding a picture from Oriental-Arms. In this example the sheath follows the same curvature, possibly indicating it was original. Regards, Emanuel Attached Images

2nd April 2007, 03:01 AM	#2
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	Hi Manolo, Take a look at this article: http://www.pihakaetta.com/sinhala_weapons_armor_low.pdf Page 8 mentions different names for piha variations. I've noted this before, but "piha kaetta" is a Stone term that is a little contradictory in Sinhalese, but it is in fact used to describe one specific type of chopping knife. "Piha" denotes the decorative knife like we are discussing. "Da Kaetta" is a more utilitarian chopping knife. Anyway, to answer your question, yes there are many specific names for piha variations such as Ul Piha (the slender straight example you posted), Gal Mita Piha (the kind with the crystal or jade handles), Vak Piha (curved blade), etc. Sorry, the PDf is a rough scan, but readable if you're interested. -d

2nd April 2007, 07:14 AM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	Thanks for the information. I do not think the blade is wootz. You are welcome to use the pic, I find that rather a compliment. Are these really a fighting knife? It is sharp or was very sharp. Would give a terrible slash or chop. Perhaps more defencive?

2nd April 2007, 02:26 PM	#4
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Thank you very much Derek, I missed that file on your website. I'll get to reading it. Emanuel

2nd April 2007, 05:07 PM	#5
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	Tim, I have never seen a wootz blade on a piha. Most look to be laminated and possibly some were differentially hardened similar to a Japanese sword. Many of mine have striations in steel very much like the older kukris I have. I have one piha with very distinct streaks of nickel in the blade. There is a reference to the fine quality ore found in Ceylon in at least one of my articles. I'll see if I can find it. Most people don't think that quality was reflected in the blades produced there. From what I've read, the more ornate metalwork on the scarbbards (like yours) came later. That and the elaborate work on the knife itself would be indicative of a gift to honour a person of rank, possibly worn by a chief. I doubt it would have been a useful fighting knife! The phrase "just sit there and look pretty" comes to mind. I don't know for certain what a fighting piha would be, but maybe it was a plainer version like this: