Pesh kabz
This item has been sold.
Overall length

37 cm

Blade length

25 cm

Blade thickness

T spine:

Base 11.5 mm

Middle 8 mm

3 cm from tip 5 mm

 

Edge side:

Base 3 mm

Start edge 3.5 mm

Middle 2.5 mm

3 cm from tip 2 mm

Blade width

Base 44.5 mm

Middle 17 mm

3 cm from tip 8.5 mm

Weight without scabbard

271 grams

Point of balance

At blade/hilt junction

Materials

Steel, brass, goat horn.

Dating

19th century

Provenance

European antiques market

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Description

A nice pesh kabz dagger, probably Afghan, with a very nicely forged and ground blade.

The design of these is impressive, it combines a pronounced T-shaped spine with a sunken mid-section, with a raised edge. The T-spine makes the blade very rigid, while the sunken mid-section both lightens the blade and reduces friction. The raised ridge where the edge starts enables the dagger to have a rather conventional edge geometry that is normally found on a much thicker piece. It makes for a formidablee thrusting weapon with good cutting abilities. It's a great example of structural engineering.

The blade on this one is nicely defined with strong features and a deeply sunken mid-section. There is a strong taper in with and thickness, bringing the balance back to exactly the blade-hilt junction. The blade is forge-welded to a steel tang, with on either side a thick slab of goat horn. The horn is carved with ribs for added grip.

Between horn and tang is brass lining, some of it now lost. Some losses to the horn, in the form of small chips. Blade patinated but otherwise in excellent condition.

No scabbard.

Afghan horn hilted pesh kabz
Afghan horn hilted pesh kabz
Afghan horn hilted pesh kabz
Afghan horn hilted pesh kabz
Afghan horn hilted pesh kabz
Afghan horn hilted pesh kabz
Afghan horn hilted pesh kabz
Afghan horn hilted pesh kabz
Afghan horn hilted pesh kabz

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