Unusual Dha

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Mark

Thank you all for the compliments, but objectively I am a mere dilettante. More often than not I find out that something I have said or have been saying is quite wrong. Being considered "knowledgeable" is a two edged sword (or better, a prakhan daab ). Personally, I feel that my biggest contribution has been my web-site, which collects information from so many sources better-informed than I, and I learn so much from my fellow forumites here and on Antonio's forum. I am very honored that the Dha Research Archive has become an inspiration to so many collectors and researchers.

PS: you reveal yourself at least, khanjar1! I was wondering if you were over here.

Hi Mark,
Stuart from Christchurch NZ. We have emailed quite often over the last 2 years re Dha. Sorry I thought you knew what my "calling card" was. My apologies. I have been a lurker on this site for quite sometime but until now have not been "active".
Check the thread re the very long Dha--Rakhine?? There are some new pics of the beast. I have it now and am in process of restoration as far as is possible. Will post more pics later when finished, but need a bit of Rayskin to restore the grip. Any ideas?
Stuart

[Mark]

Oh, I recognized you immediately after you gave that info, Stuart. I made a typo least/last. Sort of a biggie, actually. I meant the latter (didn't mean to put you on the spot there).

I don't have any ideas about where to get ray skin. Hopefully someone here does. You might check Rich Stein's web site (http://www.geocities.com/alchemyst/nihonto.htm), or send him an e-mail.

[kahnjar1]

No problem Mark. Thought it about time I got vocal about things instead of sitting in the wings. We all have something to offer I think, however small, and the accumulation of knowledge can only be a good thing!
Stuart

[Jason Anstey]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Mark,
Stuart from Christchurch NZ. We have emailed quite often over the last 2 years re Dha. Sorry I thought you knew what my "calling card" was. My apologies. I have been a lurker on this site for quite sometime but until now have not been "active".
Check the thread re the very long Dha--Rakhine?? There are some new pics of the beast. I have it now and am in process of restoration as far as is possible. Will post more pics later when finished, but need a bit of Rayskin to restore the grip. Any ideas?
Stuart

Namikawa-heibei is an excellent source for Ray-shin (samegawa) or Samekawa

It is sold in varying grades usually the best grades have very large nodes and symetrical emporor noded,

You can probably go for a lower grade for your restoration. price is from 8,000 - 25,000 yen

http://www.namikawa-ltd.co.jp/cgi-bin/list_e.cgi#27

Service from this company is fantastic

Cheers

Jason

[wilked aka Khun Deng]

Gavin et al,
These blades are not uncommon, although the point clipped that much is different, however Andrew mentioned the Kachin, the Chin did also clip their blades.
From a dealer who travels to the Burmese border regularly I learned that these were at one time worn by every male member of the hill tribes in northern Thailand and up into Burma and that you could tell which tribe they were from by the design used on them. Another dealer at another location stated the same even purported to be able to ID some of them by design (doubtful but possible) I have no other documentation to back those statements. Generally they have very poor quality blades, yours is much better than the average.

Including a picture of a Chin knife that I picked up from the one dealer as reference. While the scabbard is an open-faced basket type you can see the similarities in handle design and blade profile. Actually as I think about it there is distinct progression from the silver dha hmyuang through the knifes that Chris and Stuart posted and then to the Chin Basket knife. I wonder if it follows territorial boundaries?

Regards,

Dan

[kahnjar1]

Thanks guys----have managed to locate source of Rayskin locally.
Appreciate all the help.