Large Wahabite Jambiya for comment.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Steve

Hi Guys,
Just to add my views to this thread. As far as I'm aware the sabiki dagger is drawn by the right hand in a sweaping motion of an arc almost going over the head. If that description makes sense.

It seems that just about all the sabikis made in quantity in the 1900's come in different sizes for the same style. The photo attached are two I have , one 22inch and one 19 inch, of the style under discussion. Gene, the smaller one does seem to have a brass cartridge as a plug in the toe.

With regards the black and white photo. Although Elgood does give the description noted by Stu, an older caption reads that the picture was of the prize camel of Sherif Jahja. Sherif Jahja is seen with his personal slave ( on the left), an escort with rifle and camel driver. I think those shown wearing sabikis are essentially slaves, bodyguards and attendents. photo taken in 1860.

It has been commented to me that the sabikis in the early days, I would guess 1700/1800's, were initially worn by the " big black guys" (read: guards, probably slaves of african desent) before becoming more wide spread among local tribes. As told to me.

I suspect that some sabikis of usual form are still made today.
Steve

Hi Steve,

That was my understanding of how they are drawn, in an upward arc. Do you know, is the correct draw to grasp the hilt with you hand turned knuckle toward your body so the dagger comes out in the correct grip, or draw it blade down then reverse?

Nice pair you have there BTW!
Are the blades plain like mine?
Sadly the brass part of the scabbard sheet on mine has become brittle with age and cracked/split on both sides. Obviously a very long time ago and the exposed wood has actually gained a deep patina!

Best
Gene

[Steve]

Hi Gene,
I think 18 inch is down the shorter end. The shortest jambiya I have, which I would call a sabiki, is about 15 inches.

Yes, the draw out has the knuckles towrds the body. Although , I guess you could draw the sabiki like dagger. I am guessing, but, I think the reason the sabiki hilt is positioned on the wearers left side is that with the sabiki held horizontal across the body, the upward arc draw keeps the weapon within the bodies frame while if the hilt was on the right the draw would extend the arm and weapon to an extreme right position and possibly interfere with another person - or maybe be impossible in a crowded fight?

My blades are like your one, smooth variety, although I do have other styles which are the same outside but with different blade types - with or without the central ridge. Unfortunately the brass covering is often thin and can split , but most often cut/worn internally from the blade entering into and being removed from the sheath.

Steve