Code: CA8
This is provisionally identified as an old (c. early 20th Century) karda knife from either Nepal or Bhutan. It may have seen use as a “patch knife” used for cutting excess wadding when loading a muzzle-loading gun. The blade is iron and very sharp. The handle is dear horn. The sheath is made from wood with a silvery metal top (might be tin?). Overall, the condition is good with signs of age and use. The dark surface patina is superb.
Overall length: 26.3 cm
The Khukuri knife from Nepal is generally accompanied by two smaller knives, one sharp and one unsharpened. The small sharp knife is a Karda. When a child is born, the Karda is used to cut the umbilical cord. Afterwards the knife is placed at the side of the cot to ward off evil spirits.
