Show us your khodmi/Bou Saadi knife

[TVV]

Nice khodmis Detlef. I only have a couple, the larger of which is 44.5 cm long.

[Sajen]

Thank you very much for showing your nice examples!

Your long one isn't a khodmi, it belongs to the long daggers from Bou Saada without the wire binding in down from the handle, see my examples from this type.

Regards,
Detlef

[Pertinax]

Hi Detlef!

I have already shown my copy, I will add it again.

And the cherry on the cake - Etienne Dinet "Hunter" 1902

Best regards,
Yuri

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Pertinax

Hi Detlef!

I have already shown my copy, I will add it again.

And the cherry on the cake - Etienne Dinet "Hunter" 1902

Best regards,
Yuri

This is a nice example which has some age. What I find interesting on yours is that the scales are riveted to the tang like on the longer type, and the wire binding therefore minimal and mostly decorative. I wonder if the wire binding became more extensive over time as a method of securing the grip as opposed to riveting it.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by TVV

This is a nice example which has some age. What I find interesting on yours is that the scales are riveted to the tang like on the longer type, and the wire binding therefore minimal and mostly decorative. I wonder if the wire binding became more extensive over time as a method of securing the grip as opposed to riveting it.

Could also be that some of the wire binding got lost at Yuri's nice example, see the shadow on the goat horn.

Regards,
Detlef

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Could also be that some of the wire binding got lost at Yuri's nice example, see the shadow on the goat horn.

Regards,
Detlef

Detlef, you're right!

I've had this knife for quite a long time, and I didn't pay attention to these nuances. But now I looked closely, and there really are traces of wire on the handle.

Live and learn, but you will still die a fool (Russian humorous proverb).

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Pertinax

Detlef, you're right!

I've had this knife for quite a long time, and I didn't pay attention to these nuances. But now I looked closely, and there really are traces of wire on the handle.

Live and learn, but you will still die a fool (Russian humorous proverb).

Yuri, we all learn something new every day, would be sad when not! I handled a few where the wire binding got lost over time which looked similar to your example.

Best regards,
Detlef

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Thank you very much for showing your nice examples!

Your long one isn't a khodmi, it belongs to the long daggers from Bou Saada without the wire binding in down from the handle, see my examples from this type.

Regards,
Detlef

Detlef, you are right that there are two distinct types. Eric Claude in his book states that khodmi is simply a local word for knife and I am not sure whether we should use it to describe only one of the types from Bou Saada. In fact, Bou Saadi, as in simply meaning knives made in Bou Saada may be the more appropriate term.

When it comes to the two types, there are some similarities, as well as some obvious differences. The smaller type was meant to be tucked in a sash and the scabbard has a small leather loop. The other type has rings on both sides of the scabbard mouth and meant to be worn on a baldric. I am sure there were good reasons for that and maybe someone with local knowledge like fennec might be able to provide more info.