An Overview on The Modern Arabian Saif

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by Iain

I'm mainly interested in the techniques used, stock removal or actual forging?



Good to hear some parts are preserved, I have to admit I find the tendency to put entirely new fittings on old blades a bit off putting. I would have imagined (perhaps in ignorance) that it would be possible to simply replace the perishable organic elements such as leather and wood, while preserving all the original steel or precious metal elements.

Hey Iain,

Both exist. The more mass produced swords are stock removal but some are forged sometimes to customers specification.

As for putting new mounts on old blades... you will get depressed if you see what happens down there. I saw some gorgeous swords, in completely good mounts that are removed and redressed. At first this upsets me alot, but then I thought that its simply a continuation of an old tradition. Blades unlike other parts of the sword, are prestigious and treasured... and often seen as the most important part.

[Iain]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Hey Iain,

Both exist. The more mass produced swords are stock removal but some are forged sometimes to customers specification.

As for putting new mounts on old blades... you will get depressed if you see what happens down there. I saw some gorgeous swords, in completely good mounts that are removed and redressed. At first this upsets me alot, but then I thought that its simply a continuation of an old tradition. Blades unlike other parts of the sword, are prestigious and treasured... and often seen as the most important part.

I understand the tradition aspect, what pains me a bit is the obvious drop in quality, with good, if a bit tattered older elements being changed out for flashy, but lower quality new pieces. Still, it's good the culture of swords survives.

Also good to hear a few legitimate smiths survive. Are there any "castes" or societal factors around who does this kind of work?

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by Iain

I understand the tradition aspect, what pains me a bit is the obvious drop in quality, with good, if a bit tattered older elements being changed out for flashy, but lower quality new pieces. Still, it's good the culture of swords survives.

Also good to hear a few legitimate smiths survive. Are there any "castes" or societal factors around who does this kind of work?

Good question, Iain. Sorry for the late reply, you know how distracted I am lately.

Well, I noticed that in both Bahrain and Qatar, the oldest and most well known smiths and swordmakers are Shiite, who are generally not members of tribes. Although they arent treated differently, hopefully :-)

[Iain]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Good question, Iain. Sorry for the late reply, you know how distracted I am lately.

Well, I noticed that in both Bahrain and Qatar, the oldest and most well known smiths and swordmakers are Shiite, who are generally not members of tribes. Although they arent treated differently, hopefully :-)

Interesting, does this have anything to do with the large blade industry and many imports from Persia historically?

[Sancar]

Given the Arab world is one of the very few places on earth that blades are still commonly worn as a part of the daily costume, I find it very interesting that quality and tradition of swordmaking did not continue to carry on as strongly as it was in the 18-19th centuries. Logically, it should have been the only safe haven for this art to survive as it is.

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by Sancar

Given the Arab world is one of the very few places on earth that blades are still commonly worn as a part of the daily costume, I find it very interesting that quality and tradition of swordmaking did not continue to carry on as strongly as it was in the 18-19th centuries. Logically, it should have been the only safe haven for this art to survive as it is.

Hey Sancar,

It is true that there is a decline in quality, but some very fine items are still being made in KSA and other countries. Sadly, I couldnt afford to have one made for me!