Khyber

Object/Artifact

-

Leviathan: The Archit Patel Collection

The image shows an Afghan Khyber knife with its blade and sheath displayed on a marble surface. The knife features a long, narrow, and slightly curved steel blade with visible signs of wear, which highlights its antiqued appearance. Attached to the blade is a sturdy handle crafted from a light-colored material, possibly horn or bone, fitted with metal accents that add a decorative touch. The handle's design ensures a good grip. The accompanying black sheath, crafted from leather, covers the entire length of the blade and is secured with a black cord wound tightly around it, adding practicality and a traditional look to the ensemble. This piece reflects a mix of utilitarian function and intricate craftsmanship, characteristic of such historical weapons from the region.

The image shows an Afghan Khyber knife with its blade and sheath displayed on a marble surface. The knife features a long, narrow, and slightly curved steel blade with visible signs of wear, which highlights its antiqued appearance. Attached to the blade is a sturdy handle crafted from a light-colored material, possibly horn or bone, fitted with metal accents that add a decorative touch. The handle's design ensures a good grip. The accompanying black sheath, crafted from leather, covers the entire length of the blade and is secured with a black cord wound tightly around it, adding practicality and a traditional look to the ensemble. This piece reflects a mix of utilitarian function and intricate craftsmanship, characteristic of such historical weapons from the region.

Name/Title

Khyber

Entry/Object ID

24; Full Code: 24.25.17-SW-IA

Tags

Sword, Ivory

Description

This is an authentic Antique Khyber Knife, traditionally known as a Salawar Yataghan. Dating to the 19th century, this specimen is a high-status variant of the iconic sword of the Pashtun tribes of Afghanistan and the Northwest Frontier. It is distinguished by its classic "T-spine" architecture and a rare, aged ivory hilt. Core Components & Engineering The Blade: The blade is long, straight, and single-edged, tapering dramatically from a broad forte to a needle-sharp point. It features the hallmark T-section spine—a structural engineering "process" that acts as a longitudinal I-beam. This provides the immense rigidity required to concentrate the force of a thrust or a heavy hack without the blade flexing or snapping. Fullering: Multiple parallel fullers run along the upper third of the blade, serving to reduce overall mass while maintaining the structural "ribs" necessary for stiffness. The Hilt (Ivory): The handle consists of two massive ivory scales (likely elephant ivory) secured to a full tang. The ivory has developed a deep, "honeyed" amber patina, indicative of over a century of age and handling. The hilt is shaped with the traditional hooked or "bird's head" pommel, ensuring the weapon remains locked in the hand during the high centrifugal force of a swing. Bolster & Tang: A robust steel bolster reinforces the junction between the blade and hilt. The steel tang is exposed between the ivory scales and is secured by heavy metal pins. Scabbard: Housed in its original wooden-core scabbard wrapped in black leather. Notably, the throat of the scabbard is wrapped in braided cord, featuring tactical knots that mirror your interest in paracord weaving. Historical & Mechanical Significance

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Unknown Artisan

Date made

circa 1850 - circa 1900

Time Period

19th Century

Ethnography

Cultural Region

Region

North India

Culture/Tribe

Afghan, Sikh, Sindhi

Dimensions

Dimension Description

24"

Length

18 in

Material

Wootz

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Purchase

Place

City

Hyderabad

Region

South India