Knife Identification

[T. Koch]

Hi guys!

The skin is is from one of the large pythons. Hard to be absolutely sure when the patch is as small as this, but IMO it's from a reticulated python, P. reticulatus, native to South East Asia from India to Indonesia.

Cool sword!

PS: Russel's viper does not belong to the family of pit vipers (Crotalinae) - it is a true viper and belongs in the subfamily Viperinae.


Cheers, - Thor

[Ian]

Thank you Thor. Yes, the python looks a better match. My suggestion was based purely on the pattern and no specific knowledge about snakes of the region.

Originally Posted by T. Koch

Hi guys!

The skin is is from one of the large pythons. Hard to be absolutely sure when the patch is as small as this, but IMO it's from a reticulated python, P. reticulatus, native to South East Asia from India to Indonesia.

Cool sword!

PS: Russel's viper does not belong to the family of pit vipers (Crotalinae) - it is a true viper and belongs in the subfamily Viperinae.


Cheers, - Thor

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Ian

Thank you Thor. Yes, the python looks a better match. My suggestion was based purely on the pattern and no specific knowledge about snakes of the region.

That was a good call Ian, I couldn't tell if it was lizard or snake. Impressive pattern (would be great boots!) and sure seemed a good match.
I am often amazed at how almost 'artificial' the reticulation on many reptile hides appears. Mother nature is phenomenal.
I know zippity doo dah on the edged weapons of these regions, but that blade does seem Kachin from what little I do know.

As far as snakeskin on the collar of that scabbard, that IS intriguing. Never have seen such decoration used in SE Asia, but that scabbard reminds me of Burmese dao, and the squared Chinese style scabbard chape.