antique Kard

[hammerdownnow]

[Jake Powning]

I love that! more information! I'm not familiar with this type of knife is it scandinavian?

[SharpByCoop]

That's an unusual one. Stag is uncommon. I like it!

These middle-eastern-influenced knives appeal to me. I like the guardless look on many.

What's the skinny. Is it yours or you just like it?

Coop

[McAhron]

sweet knife tell us more

[Chuck Burrows]

That's a preety cool but rather unusual Kard - here are four more "typical" antique kards





Kards are historically Northern Persian - They are kin to the Afghan choora (khyber knives) like this one:


In my book they are the "parent" of the Mediterranean style knives such as the Spanish Belduque.

Neat picture Roc - thanks

[McAhron]

COOL thanx Chuck

[hammerdownnow]

ebay item

Caucasian goat horn? Looks like some kind of deer to me.

[miller14]

Hey,

I am over here in Kuwait. You had mentioned that these blades
are of Middle-East origin. I wonder what the chances of finding
an original would be in Kuwait? Are they predominant in one
country over another? It is tough to get out there to see any
Kuwaiti's, and about 3/4 of the country are TCN's
(third country nationals) I thought a person might be able
to find a connection somewhere.
From what I know so far the Kuwaiti people pretty much buy
everything. I don't know if I could ever locate a knifemaker
in this region. I am in Doha, just outside Kuwait City.
If anyone has any knowledge of bladesmithing in this region
I would love to get that intel.

Thanks

Rick

[rhrocker]

Wow Rick, I can't answer your question, but it's great hearing from you over there. Hang in there, we're behind you guys! Hope you get home soon!

[hammerdownnow]

I don't have a clue as to the layout over there, but, you might try some second hand stores, pawn type shops , flea markets or antique stores.

[miller14]

Hey,

I am working on getting off the post. We are on Doha, and
not allowed to go into the surrounding areas unless on
an official mission.
I ran into a 1st SGT from the Kuwaiti Air Force, and stopped
him and asked if there were many traditional craftsmen
in the Kuwait City area. He said that "before the oil money"
there were many, and there were still some Kuwaitis
who did traditional arts, but you did not usually see them
in the markets because (Smiths anyway) because of the
cheap imports undercutting them. Most tourists and visitors
would buy cheap first.
We talked awhile as he was quite a character. He asked for
my name, and contact number, and said he would see what
he could find on the "outside".
I spent the entire morning "networking" if you will. ( I had a post
on General discussion as well. ) I am going to be here in Kuwait
on Doha, for at least 14 months. I have been making blades
for awhile. Today I think I made great progress in getting a set
up over here. If time allows it.
I will let you all know what I discover
SFC Rick Miller

[AlexI]

Hi guys,

this knife (the one posted first) looks to be of a Central Asian origin to me, not Middle Eastern. In particular, I have seen a couple knives that look very much the same (except the handles were not of deer horn), that were made in Uzbekistan. I was told that they represent one of the traditional knife types over there and they are still being handmade the same way, by many local knifemakers.
BTW, I wouldn't call it a Kard... too different from a typical Iranian Kard which is a mostly stabbing weapon while this one is more of a butchers or kitchen knife.

Alex.

[miller14]

Hey,

I finally got a chance to get into Kuwait City. I found nothing
in the way of handmade knives. I asked a few vendors
and they usually looked at you like you had a thumb sticking
out of your forehead. It was an old style market with
little shops, and people with stuff spread on blankets ect.
There was one place that had knives, but they were all
imported pakistani stuff ect. I did get some great sunflower
seeds though. Huge ones with lots of salt. Smoked the
Hukka pipe at a little Hukka bar. It was all good. I don't
think a person is going to find anything handmade in Kuwait
just walking down the street.
Here is an interesting note. I was BS'n with one of my
engineer buddies and he claims they found a sword in the
sand down on the far end of the motor pool lot. I guess it
is rusted almost away, but still has part of a handle on it.
I will investigate this claim further. If it pans out maybe I
will try a digi photo. Ya gotta love swords.

Rick

[Chuck Burrows]

here is some info on this style knife that should help clarify it's true name and provenance.

http://therionarms.com/antiques/ttoy267.html

[hammerdownnow]

Thanks Chuck!