Jambiya Arabic dagger

Jambiya Arabic dagger by Louis Naude

Jambiya , is the Arabic term for dagger, but it is generally used to describe a specific type of dagger with a short curved blade and a medial ridge. The term Jambiya Arabic dagger is used more often in Yemen as well as in India and it is most closely associated with the people of Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. It is also prevalent among men in the Horn of Africa. Men typically above the age of 14 wear it as an accessory to their clothing. In Oman the Jambiya is commonly referred to as a khanjar.

A significant part of a Jambiya is its handle. The handle is traditionally made of costly animal material like Ivory which is used on the daggers of wealthier citizens. Apart from the material used for the handle, the design and detail is a measure of its value and the status of its owner. The blade is stored in a sheath, usually made of wood covered with metal or cloth.

Despite the historical and traditional significance it is still a weapon. Although people have used it in times of dispute, there are societal norms that must be followed in order to avoid defamation. The Jambiya should only come out of its sheath in extreme cases of conflict. It is also worn commonly during traditional events, such as dances.

Like with some other curved knives, as the blade bends towards the opponent, the user need not angle the wrist, which makes it more comfortable as a stabbing weapon than straight-bladed knives. Its heavy blade enables the user to inflict deep wounds and to cut through muscle and bone. It also makes it possible to cut and twist the blade upwards, slitting internal organs such as intestines, or to reach heart, lungs or liver more easily, making it a formidable and much feared weapon, whose use is thus restricted by societal rules.

a Modern version of the Jambiya is issued to the Jordanian Special Forces

If you like the Jambiya, you might also like the the Fairbairn Sykes commando dagger