A 'battle weary' Afghan Knife....comments and advice please

katana · 19th October 2007, 07:22 PM

Thank you Ward and BBJW for your replies.

I only mentioned wootz because Stone shows an example which is described as having a watered blade. The patina suggests the possibility of wootz....but then the Khanda I own also suggested the same but a window etch disproved this

The blade had alot of active rust and obviously had been neglected for some time. (It was discovered in a garden shed

) Nevertheless, the edge was still incredibly sharp, suggesting a 'quality blade',

The crude soldering on the hilt seems old, and the lack of finesse suggested a 'running repair'.
Although I like its 'character' I still think replacing the brass strip on the top of the hilt would be an improvement. Perhaps I could find a way to attach it that is not permanent

Thanks for the ID of the leather 'source' I believe goats leather is commonly used for covering books so should be easily available.

The splits in the scabbard could easily be glued, but some portions around the throat of the scabbard are missing.....not certain whether to make 'in fill' pieces (out of timber) and glue them in position. Or to use a wood filler .....either would be hidden by the leather covering.

Is there usually brasswork around the throat of the scabbard ? I have found very few examples for comparison.

I understand a number of Afghan tribes use this weapon, are there tribal differences that could ID the 'source tribe'. Are there any characteristics of these Khyber knives which help to date them?

I apologise for all the questions. but I have very limited info on these

Kind Regards David

19th October 2007, 07:22 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Thank you Ward and BBJW for your replies. I only mentioned wootz because Stone shows an example which is described as having a watered blade. The patina suggests the possibility of wootz....but then the Khanda I own also suggested the same but a window etch disproved this The blade had alot of active rust and obviously had been neglected for some time. (It was discovered in a garden shed ) Nevertheless, the edge was still incredibly sharp, suggesting a 'quality blade', The crude soldering on the hilt seems old, and the lack of finesse suggested a 'running repair'. Although I like its 'character' I still think replacing the brass strip on the top of the hilt would be an improvement. Perhaps I could find a way to attach it that is not permanent Thanks for the ID of the leather 'source' I believe goats leather is commonly used for covering books so should be easily available. The splits in the scabbard could easily be glued, but some portions around the throat of the scabbard are missing.....not certain whether to make 'in fill' pieces (out of timber) and glue them in position. Or to use a wood filler .....either would be hidden by the leather covering. Is there usually brasswork around the throat of the scabbard ? I have found very few examples for comparison. I understand a number of Afghan tribes use this weapon, are there tribal differences that could ID the 'source tribe'. Are there any characteristics of these Khyber knives which help to date them? I apologise for all the questions. but I have very limited info on these Kind Regards David