Pair of knives

[Andrew]

I've never seen one like the bottom example.

The top one is an example of knives still being produced in Myanmar/Burma (and, likely, Thailand). About 10 years ago, I was introduced to a gentleman who had a government-approved trip scheduled to Myanmar, where he was spending time with Karen tribes. I requested he bring me back something sharp and pointy if he came across anything inexpensive. He sent me this:

Dha-hmyaung. Myanmar (Burma). Early 21st Century. Brass and rattan fittings. Newly manufactured by Karen Tribesmen.

Overall length: 30 cm
Blade length: 20 cm
Handle length: 10 cm
Scabbard length: 22 cm

[Congoblades]

I have a simular one. Does not look very old.

[blue lander]

How large is that one? Mine's only 20mm OAL, much smaller than the one Andrew posted.

[Congoblades]

The knife 30 cm, total lenght is 33 cm.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by blue lander

How large is that one? Mine's only 20mm OAL, much smaller than the one Andrew posted.

20 mm ?, you are sure?

[blue lander]

Whoops, you're right. 20 cm. Still smaller than either other example.

[blue lander]

They just arrived today. First impression: Souvenir knives. They're tiny and the edges aren't sharpened. I was about to chuck them in the "junk" bin but the seller covered the other side of the blade with stickers for some reason and I wanted to remove them. I scraped off what I could and used FeCL to burn off the rest of the residue.

To my surprise, it appears that the larger one has a hardened edge! So I guess it is a real knife.

Edit: Small one appears to be hardened as well. I can't imagine what such a small knife would be useful for.

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by blue lander

They just arrived today. First impression: Souvenir knives. They're tiny and the edges aren't sharpened. I was about to chuck them in the "junk" bin but the seller covered the other side of the blade with stickers for some reason and I wanted to remove them. I scraped off what I could and used FeCL to burn off the rest of the residue.

To my surprise, it appears that the larger one has a hardened edge! So I guess it is a real knife.

Edit: Small one appears to be hardened as well. I can't imagine what such a small knife would be useful for.

Classic Hmong style blade and handle. Interesting I've never seen a shealth like that were they are in a pair. In South East Asia, the Hmong live in China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. The largest Hmong population outside of Asia is in the USA due to Hmong fighting along side US soldiers in the Vietnam War. In he USA, I've seen Hmong knives for sale at markets during large Hmong gatherings during Memorial day, 4th of July and Labor Day.

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by Andrew

I've never seen one like the bottom example.

The top one is an example of knives still being produced in Myanmar/Burma (and, likely, Thailand). About 10 years ago, I was introduced to a gentleman who had a government-approved trip scheduled to Myanmar, where he was spending time with Karen tribes. I requested he bring me back something sharp and pointy if he came across anything inexpensive. He sent me this:

Dha-hmyaung. Myanmar (Burma). Early 21st Century. Brass and rattan fittings. Newly manufactured by Karen Tribesmen.

Overall length: 30 cm
Blade length: 20 cm
Handle length: 10 cm
Scabbard length: 22 cm

Just curious, Andrew...when this gentleman went to Myanmar and stayed with the Karen...do you know what state or area he was in?

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

Just curious, Andrew...when this gentleman went to Myanmar and stayed with the Karen...do you know what state or area he was in?

It's been about 10 years, Nathaniel. I'll see if my email archives go back that far.

[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by Andrew

It's been about 10 years, Nathaniel. I'll see if my email archives go back that far.

Oh, yeah, you did mention that...10 years...that is quite a ways back...well, when you have time and only if it takes less than 2 minutes...otherwise not really all that important. Great story to hear though of how you came upon it and which group the guy was visiting. Thanks Andrew!