The “ regulation Khyber Knife” in the Afghani Army at end of the 19th – beginning of

[mahratt]

Therefore, they are transitional steps in the evolution of the Khyber from Ethnic to the Regulation. Having attributed the 4 variants and considering the increasing importance of the European weapons during that period, we can tentatively time the progression steps

[mahratt]

The timescale shown here demonstrates the increasing European influence upon Afghani weaponry at the end of the 19th century. Thus, we think that we are within our rights to suggest that the side arm under review is in fact a variant of a true Khyber. Thus, we propose that the side arm described as Afghan Military Sword should in fact be called Afghan Military (or Regulation) Khyber.

[Gavin Nugent]

Congratulations on a wonerful treatise.

As a point of note, without consideration to the size, I can only suggest the term "knife" was used because the blade profile for the most part is a knife shape when you consider what a Victorian era kitchen knife looked like rather than the shape typically noted as a sword or sabre of the day.

Again, a great read, congrats.

Gavin

[Mercenary]

Very interesting article.
This is a rare example of the evolution of ethnic weapons.
Thanks a lot!

[CharlesS]

Great stuff on a generally overlooked topic about which not so much is known! Thanks for posting!

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by mahratt

The timescale shown here demonstrates the increasing European influence upon Afghani weaponry at the end of the 19th century. Thus, we think that we are within our rights to suggest that the side arm under review is in fact a variant of a true Khyber. Thus, we propose that the side arm described as Afghan Military Sword should in fact be called Afghan Military (or Regulation) Khyber.

Salaams Mahratt ~ My hat comes off to you ! Bravo !! Bravo !!

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Gavin Nugent]

I would like to add that the regulation hilt type with the guard has also been seen on Shamshir blades and perhaps other types of wapons held in these manufacturing plants that we have not yet seen

Gavin

[AJ1356]

Good write up, the Afghan government also had Gurkha knives made for the military, even though there are no Gurkhas in Afghanistan. I think all these were some what of test weapons to see what worked better.
I just wanted to correct some of the terminology used by the OP.
It is not called mashin khana, but rather Kaar Khaana, Kaar Khaana e Jangalak is the complete name located in Kabul.

The local name for the so called Khyber knife is saylaawa, there are no words in Farsi or Pashto as salwar, yataghan or dussak, they are Turkish or whatever words. Thus never used in country to describe what is so wrongly called a Khyber knife. So just to clarify the locals have a name for it and is called Saylaawa سیلاوه .

And as mentioned is some other posts, there never was a mazar e sharif arsenal, and the stamp represents mehrab and munbar.

Useful info otherwise, good job putting it all together

[Emanuel]

Great article! I always wondered about these swords.

When I worked in Hyderabad, India, I lived close to Karkhana Road. My understanding is that it means factory/workshop and it referred to arsenals that were located on that road in the past.

So it makes sense now.

Emanuel

[mahratt]

Dear forum members, thank you for your kind words and for clarification of my inaccuracies.

I have a huge request to all. If you have some sort of information on the Afghan interesting items, please let me know. In addition, I am interested in purchasing Afghan unusual items. I was particularly interested in the Afghan shashka