Unusual African short sword / knife

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Lee

I wonder if the blade has come from a locally made machete as I have seen blades of similar length and form with the three crude fullers sold new with scales made from salvaged tire rubber riveted on in West Africa.

I have an example - not immediately at hand - of such a blade with an extender forte section mounted properly as a takouba.

I happen to have one here of the ilk... is this what you mean Lee?

[Lee]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

Is this what you mean Lee?

Yes, except yours is nicer than those I was thinking of. It is easy to see how the original poster's blade could, with some reshaping, have come from such a machete. I believe the original poster's item is a genuine ethnographic artifact, made for local use rather than merely trade with the traveler. I will endeavor to present a few photos within a few days.

[Lee]

Not exactly as I remembered and I am still looking for the takouba using such a blade for the far end.

[David R]

The three fullers are typical of trade blades and machetes of varied types, some with a curve, some almost straight.... as used here in my recent purchase Mandingo sword.