Rampuri - Kadakedar

Object/Artifact

-

Leviathan: The Archit Patel Collection

The image displays an ornate knife with a distinctly curved blade and a decorative handle. The handle is embellished with circular metal motifs featuring a combination of red and blue designs on a golden background, giving it a rich, detailed appearance. The blade itself, while showing signs of wear and tarnishing, reflects a sharp, polished edge typical of a well-crafted weapon or tool, possibly used for ceremonial purposes or as a collectible due to its elaborate design and craftsmanship. This particular knife is lying on a white surface with slight markings, emphasizing its striking form against a plain backdrop.

The image displays an ornate knife with a distinctly curved blade and a decorative handle. The handle is embellished with circular metal motifs featuring a combination of red and blue designs on a golden background, giving it a rich, detailed appearance. The blade itself, while showing signs of wear and tarnishing, reflects a sharp, polished edge typical of a well-crafted weapon or tool, possibly used for ceremonial purposes or as a collectible due to its elaborate design and craftsmanship. This particular knife is lying on a white surface with slight markings, emphasizing its striking form against a plain backdrop.

Name/Title

Rampuri - Kadakedar

Entry/Object ID

149; Full Code: 149.59.93-KN-NB

Tags

Rampuri, Knife, Folders

Description

This artifact is a Modern Rampuri Chaku, featuring a substantial 6-inch blade. It represents the high-utility tier of traditional North Indian mechanical folders. This specimen is distinguished by its extended reach and a specialized lever-based mechanical lock, documenting a design optimized for structural rigidity and manual reliability. Core Components & Engineering The Blade (6-inch Clip-Point/Stiletto Hybrid): A single-edged blade with a straight spine and an aggressive distal taper. Geometry: The 6-inch length provides significant reach and mechanical leverage. The profile transitions into an acute tip, concentrating force for high-velocity piercing maneuvers. Mechanical Interface: The tang features a specific notch that engages with a robust internal locking bar. The external brass lever-tab (visible in the raised position in the first image) is the manual interface for this security system. The Hilt (Chased Brass "Fish-Tail" Handle): Constructed with brass scales over a rigid steel internal frame. Surface Ornamentation: The scales feature rhythmic, concentric "eye" motifs, some inlaid with red and blue pigments. This traditional "Process of Adornment" is a signature of the Rampur cutlery district. Retention Architecture: The hilt terminates in a distinctive "fish-tail" pommel. Mechanically, this acts as a flared stop, ensuring the hand remains locked in position during high-pressure inputs and preventing the handle from slipping during a draw. The Mechanism (Manual Lever-Lock): A gravity/manual opening design with a positive mechanical lock. Operational Input: Lifting the lever retracts the locking pin from the tang. The blade is then deployed manually. Releasing the lever once the blade is fully extended drops the pin into a secondary notch, locking it open. Mechanical Logic: This system provides "Fixed-Blade Certainty," ensuring the blade cannot accidentally collapse under stress.

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Bladesmith from Rampur

Date made

circa 1997

Ethnography

Cultural Region

City

Rampur, UP, India

Dimensions

Dimension Description

14"

Length

6-1/4 in

Material

D2 TS

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Purchase