Help identifying a few African currency knives/blades

wildwolberine · 20th September 2025, 01:29 AM

I recently acquired this small collection of African iron currency knives. I’ve tentatively identified a few. Would appreciate any input from specialists in this field! I do not have any information from the previous owner.

I believe the curved knife on the left is Ngbaka, the angular “hoe” is Idoma (Nigeria), the long sickle with a socket handle is Kirdi (Cameroon). Not sure about the small spear shaped item, the smaller sickle shaped item, the bell, or the throwing knife (very thin and flexible).

Tim Simmons · 20th September 2025, 10:35 AM

I believe these are all from South Sudan. I don't know why they are rather roughly finished. Some are clean steel with ingraving looking very nice, perhaps these really are just currency. Still a nice little lot to have. I had some, do I reget selling them? you bet I do. The one or two you have with ingraving, wonder if they would clean up with nonetching rust remover. Do one as a test piece to see results?

20th September 2025, 01:29 AM	#1
wildwolberine Member Join Date: May 2023 Location: San Antonio Posts: 130	Help identifying a few African currency knives/blades I recently acquired this small collection of African iron currency knives. I’ve tentatively identified a few. Would appreciate any input from specialists in this field! I do not have any information from the previous owner. I believe the curved knife on the left is Ngbaka, the angular “hoe” is Idoma (Nigeria), the long sickle with a socket handle is Kirdi (Cameroon). Not sure about the small spear shaped item, the smaller sickle shaped item, the bell, or the throwing knife (very thin and flexible). Attached Images

20th September 2025, 10:35 AM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,894	I believe these are all from South Sudan. I don't know why they are rather roughly finished. Some are clean steel with ingraving looking very nice, perhaps these really are just currency. Still a nice little lot to have. I had some, do I reget selling them? you bet I do. The one or two you have with ingraving, wonder if they would clean up with nonetching rust remover. Do one as a test piece to see results?