African throwing knife???

katana · 18th January 2007, 04:41 PM

Hi,
searching for information on Ethnographic 'throwing' knives....I came across the REME Museum site which lists an African one......which outwardly appears to be a 'typical' dagger/knife. Pic below.

Could this be a case of mis-interpretation? Are there any references to the use of such a weapon in Africa? There are many references to the use of 'throwing' knives by Native Indians (America) in Tribal conflict.....but little else.

I can only assume.....that if this 'description' is correct....the knife must be suitably 'weighted' to ensure its function

Weapon 407 on this link

http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/arms/blade/armkdd.htm

Thankyou.

Tim Simmons · 18th January 2007, 06:07 PM

Examples of this type of knife can be seen in many publications about Central/East Africa and no mention of throwing. The blades do tend to be thin but that is almost pan African. I think if one is to bring to mind what REME stands for {Royal Electical,Mechanical,Engineers} I am not surprised that the cataloging is in error. They are soldiers trained in a rather more prescripted discipline.

katana · 18th January 2007, 06:32 PM

Pretty much what I was thinking Tim, might try and contact them to find out why they have described this knife as 'throwing'......might turn up something.....perhaps it was seen 'in use'

18th January 2007, 04:41 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	African throwing knife??? Hi, searching for information on Ethnographic 'throwing' knives....I came across the REME Museum site which lists an African one......which outwardly appears to be a 'typical' dagger/knife. Pic below. Could this be a case of mis-interpretation? Are there any references to the use of such a weapon in Africa? There are many references to the use of 'throwing' knives by Native Indians (America) in Tribal conflict.....but little else. I can only assume.....that if this 'description' is correct....the knife must be suitably 'weighted' to ensure its function Weapon 407 on this link http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/arms/blade/armkdd.htm Thankyou. Attached Images

18th January 2007, 06:07 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	Examples of this type of knife can be seen in many publications about Central/East Africa and no mention of throwing. The blades do tend to be thin but that is almost pan African. I think if one is to bring to mind what REME stands for {Royal Electical,Mechanical,Engineers} I am not surprised that the cataloging is in error. They are soldiers trained in a rather more prescripted discipline.

18th January 2007, 06:32 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Pretty much what I was thinking Tim, might try and contact them to find out why they have described this knife as 'throwing'......might turn up something.....perhaps it was seen 'in use'