Khodmi (Bou Saáda Knife)
Berber / Arab
Bou Saáda, French Algeria (Algeria)
Early 20th century (ca. 1920 - 1945)
Steel, bone, silver alloy, wood, leather, vegetal fiber
Blade: 15,2cm
Hilt & Blade: 24,8cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 26,7cm
Collection Date: 2023
Collection Number: 361

An Algerian knife known as a khodmi, commonly used for everyday utility purposes whose collectors name refers to the Algerian City of Bou Saáda from where they are sold. They take their form from earlier European Mediterranean knives from places like Genoa and Corsica. As with many of the type, this one is likely a World War II bringback from the North Africa Campaign and is a solid example and quite decorative.

The steel blade is straight single- edged slightly upcurved near the point with stamped "eyelash" markings on each side. Chamfered edges with a false edge for 3/4 of the blade. The hilt is composed of two bone slabs riveted together with six circle- dot motifs on each side, bound by silver wire near the steel bolster. The sheath is wood covered in a dyed red leather with a fabric stitching on one side, in Berber fashion of colorful geometrical shapes and patterns. An attractive and very good quality, complete example of the Algerian Khodmi knife.

• http://africanarms.com/gallery?1-3-bou-saada-khodmi