Small knife for ID

Ian · 13th March 2024, 12:05 PM

This knife came in an inexpensive auction lot labeled "Two Mexican Knives." The other knife was a larger Filipino knife from Luzon, more specifically from Laguna Province, and was probably late 19th-early 20th C. That knife was the one that interested me and this smaller one was a throw in.

However, I am stuck on what this knife is and where it came from. It does not look like anything Filipino that I have seen before, nor particularly Mexican.

The blade is clearly old, heavily pitted, and much used. The recurved edge and drop point suggest a domestic tool rather than a weapon to me, somewhat similar to a hansia found in Nepal and adjacent areas. The handle is bone, the partial tang is secured by a single large pin, and there is a small metal ferrule. The bone is deeply carved with scroll work.

Thoughts and suggestions welcome.
.

Sajen · 13th March 2024, 12:58 PM

Hi Ian,

It's a piha kaetta, a simple one, from Sri Lanka IMVHO!

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 13th March 2024, 06:40 PM

Here a similar one sold by a German auction.

A. G. Maisey · 13th March 2024, 08:53 PM

Agreed.

Ian · 14th March 2024, 02:22 AM

Thank you Detlef and Alan!

I did not realize that piha kaetta came in a "simple" form. I don't think we have another example posted in the Forum. Any idea how old this one may be? How common are these knives and what were they used for? I would think they are utility knives, but would love to know more about them.

Sajen · 14th March 2024, 06:16 PM

Hi Ian,

Have seen a lot by auction houses and as well by epray over the years. And I guess like you that these are utility knives, maybe for cutting betel? I just don't know exactly.

Regards,
Detlef

13th March 2024, 12:05 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,039	Small knife for ID This knife came in an inexpensive auction lot labeled "Two Mexican Knives." The other knife was a larger Filipino knife from Luzon, more specifically from Laguna Province, and was probably late 19th-early 20th C. That knife was the one that interested me and this smaller one was a throw in. However, I am stuck on what this knife is and where it came from. It does not look like anything Filipino that I have seen before, nor particularly Mexican. The blade is clearly old, heavily pitted, and much used. The recurved edge and drop point suggest a domestic tool rather than a weapon to me, somewhat similar to a hansia found in Nepal and adjacent areas. The handle is bone, the partial tang is secured by a single large pin, and there is a small metal ferrule. The bone is deeply carved with scroll work. Thoughts and suggestions welcome. . Attached Images

13th March 2024, 06:40 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,531	Here a similar one sold by a German auction. Attached Images

13th March 2024, 12:58 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,531	Hi Ian, It's a piha kaetta, a simple one, from Sri Lanka IMVHO! Regards, Detlef

13th March 2024, 08:53 PM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,718	Agreed.

14th March 2024, 02:22 AM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,039	Thank you Detlef and Alan! I did not realize that piha kaetta came in a "simple" form. I don't think we have another example posted in the Forum. Any idea how old this one may be? How common are these knives and what were they used for? I would think they are utility knives, but would love to know more about them.

14th March 2024, 06:16 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,531	Hi Ian, Have seen a lot by auction houses and as well by epray over the years. And I guess like you that these are utility knives, maybe for cutting betel? I just don't know exactly. Regards, Detlef