'Saidi' Style??

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by archer

What are these all metal hilted Saidi-like khanjars called? This one is in great detail but pint sized are they simply tourist pocket size or meant to show skill? The minture is 7.5 inches tall. Thanks, Steve

Salaams archer. These are purely tourist/kids daggers. Made often in India and probably soon in China. Omani law now indicates that all silver traditional items should be stamped with the Omani cultural ministry insignia proving genuine and real... It can only be a matter of time for these items to be swept from the shelves... I wish... The problem is that they are not Omani having been imported like cheap toys and made on a machine that stamps them out ...The other thing to point out is that when they first started appearing they were bought as gifts for children (and in fact they still are) even by local people and now they seem to permeate shops and souks. How can I say tourist junk without offending anyone?

For correct form and detail please see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14878

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.