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

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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?