This is a good example of the famous Afghan Khyber knife or Charay used so effectively against the British on the Northwest frontier during the 19th Century. Its size, shape and incredible sharpness struck fear into the British troops defending the Khyber Pass, the area from which this knife earned its popular name. It is the traditional side arm of the Afridis, Ghilzais, Khyberies and other tribes living in and near the Khyber Pass, a mountain pass connecting Afghanistan and what was then India (now modern-day Pakistan).
The 530mm heavy, single-edged blade has a T-shaped spine above a narrow fuller and tapers to a needle-sharp point. The steel blade is very sharp and is perfectly suited to both slashing and thrusting.
The blade is 52mm wide at the shoulder with a spine thickness of 10mm and has a narrow fuller below the spine. The blade is in good condition with speckles of tarnish and some small edge nicks.
The full tang is hilted with a steel bolster and back strap and contoured horn scales held firmly in place with iron rivets.
The Khyber knife is complete with its leather wrapped wooden scabbard. The scabbard has a shaped throat to allow for the blade to be inserted until part-way up the hilt. The scabbard is newer than the knife, probably made to replace the worn-out original, as these knives are handed down through families and are still in use today. The knife sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within.
This is a good example of a 19th Century Afghan Khyber knife.
