This is a nice example of the famous Afghan Khyber knife 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. 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 525mm heavy, single-edged blade has a T-shaped spine above a narrow fuller and tapers to a needle sharp point. The folded steel blade is razor sharp and is perfectly suited to both slashing and thrusting.
The blade is 53mm wide at the hilt with a spine thickness of 11mm. There is a small, engraved area of lines on the forte and below the spine. The blade is in good condition with a short hairline crack on one side, mid-way down. The crack does not follow through to the other side of the blade. The blade shows use and sharpening/cleaning related scratches.
The full tang is hilted with a brass bolster and back strap and bone scales held firmly in place with iron rivets. The pommel of the grip appears to be the hoof of a small antelope. The grip is firm and in good condition.
The Khyber knife is complete with its leather wrapped wooden scabbard. The scabbard has a shaped throat to allow for the hilt of the short sword. The scabbard is in very good condition with age and use related scuffs and marks to the leather. The stitching is intact and tight.
