My New Baby - Arabian Jambiya
Jan 17, 2007 2:48:40 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2007 2:48:40 GMT
An old friend of mine recently got a job in Qatar, and when he learnt that I collect swords (and such), he volunteered to buy me a Jambiya! No words could express my gratitude to him and so, I wish to dedicate this posting to this dear friend of mine - Martin Tan - who went the extra mile to get it for me despite his busy work commitment
**Pardon the not-so-clear images as I was anxious to snap & share the pix, after receiving it late yesterday evening. My dig. cam seems rather limited in taking low light/nite pix *sigh* (or maybe I'm not skillful enough )
This is a real beautiful piece, and exudes much culture, handiworks, & ethnic favor of the place it originates.
Here's the 'front' decorated view of the Jambiya, with dagger seated firmly in its scabbard:
As with most, if not all, Arabian swords & daggers, only one side is decorated; Here's back view of the Jambiya assembly:
Noticed the small triangular leather work which protects the lower part of wooden hilt (near the scabbard) when worn.
The scabbard is 'black' wood wrapped in leather/hide. The decorations come in the form of ?filigree? design on thin metal, possibly silver, and nailed onto one side of the scabbard. The entire assembly is further secured with leather bands sewn to the back.
This is about the 1st time I handle a Jambiya. I was really surprised at the blade length when I drew out the dagger:
The short, curved blade is double-edged, with a reinforcing rib running through the center of almost the entire blade. This makes the dagger stout yet light & swift.
Some quick specs:
Overall Length of dagger: 8 7/8"
Blade length: 5 1/2"
Wt.: Unknown
The following pix gave a comparison of the blade and it's scabbard; noticed how much extra spaces the scabbard provides when the dagger is fully seated:)
Handling & other remarks:
From the scabbard decorations, it seems to suggest that this Jambiya should be worn on the right hand side, and tucked into the belt of its proud owner. The only convenient way to draw the dagger, thus would be with the right hand, fist clasped, with palm facing inside.
Its light and relatively sturdy blade (thanks to its central reinforcing rib) makes the dagger very swift & easy to handle! The short blade also meant that the drawn dagger can be easily concealed, say, under/within its owner's sleeves until the 'appointed' time of execution.
The blade of this Jambiya is not razor-sharp (perhaps anticipating to be bought as souvenirs by tourist) but I could still slice through 2 pieces of 50gm papers.
**Pardon the not-so-clear images as I was anxious to snap & share the pix, after receiving it late yesterday evening. My dig. cam seems rather limited in taking low light/nite pix *sigh* (or maybe I'm not skillful enough )
This is a real beautiful piece, and exudes much culture, handiworks, & ethnic favor of the place it originates.
Here's the 'front' decorated view of the Jambiya, with dagger seated firmly in its scabbard:
As with most, if not all, Arabian swords & daggers, only one side is decorated; Here's back view of the Jambiya assembly:
Noticed the small triangular leather work which protects the lower part of wooden hilt (near the scabbard) when worn.
The scabbard is 'black' wood wrapped in leather/hide. The decorations come in the form of ?filigree? design on thin metal, possibly silver, and nailed onto one side of the scabbard. The entire assembly is further secured with leather bands sewn to the back.
This is about the 1st time I handle a Jambiya. I was really surprised at the blade length when I drew out the dagger:
The short, curved blade is double-edged, with a reinforcing rib running through the center of almost the entire blade. This makes the dagger stout yet light & swift.
Some quick specs:
Overall Length of dagger: 8 7/8"
Blade length: 5 1/2"
Wt.: Unknown
The following pix gave a comparison of the blade and it's scabbard; noticed how much extra spaces the scabbard provides when the dagger is fully seated:)
Handling & other remarks:
From the scabbard decorations, it seems to suggest that this Jambiya should be worn on the right hand side, and tucked into the belt of its proud owner. The only convenient way to draw the dagger, thus would be with the right hand, fist clasped, with palm facing inside.
Its light and relatively sturdy blade (thanks to its central reinforcing rib) makes the dagger very swift & easy to handle! The short blade also meant that the drawn dagger can be easily concealed, say, under/within its owner's sleeves until the 'appointed' time of execution.
The blade of this Jambiya is not razor-sharp (perhaps anticipating to be bought as souvenirs by tourist) but I could still slice through 2 pieces of 50gm papers.