Khyber Knife – Fighting blade of the Khyber Pass

The Khyber knife is a traditional tribal weapon originating from the regions surrounding the Khyber Pass, a strategic corridor that links present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. Known for its heavy, forward-curving blade and no-nonsense construction, it has been used both in warfare and daily life by various Pashtun and Afghan tribes. Often mistaken for a type of sword due to its size, the Khyber knife (or “salwar yataghan”) sits at the intersection of large knife and short sword.

Specifications

History and Evolution

The Khyber knife likely evolved from earlier Central Asian and Indo-Persian utility and fighting blades, adapting to the mountainous terrain and tribal warfare common in the region. It became widespread during the 17th to 19th centuries, particularly under Durrani and Mughal influence. British colonial accounts from the 19th century regularly mention these knives being used by Afghan fighters, describing their brutal effectiveness in close combat.

Unlike refined court weapons, the Khyber knife was a workhorse tool and weapon. It saw use in everything from tribal skirmishes and warfare to everyday butchery and fieldwork.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Heavy forward curve enhances cutting power and penetration.
• Durable build makes it ideal for both combat and utility.
• Simple construction allows for easy maintenance and replacement.
• Compact size is more practical in mountainous terrain compared to long swords.

Disadvantages:

• Limited reach compared to longer swords.
• Lack of guard offers minimal hand protection.
• Weight distribution can make it unwieldy for users unfamiliar with the balance.

Comparison with Similar Weapons

The Khyber knife shares traits with both the kukri and yatagan but remains distinct in its balance, construction, and cultural function. It is more warlike than the kukri and more utilitarian than the ornate yatagan.

Legacy

The Khyber knife remains a symbol of Afghan and Pashtun martial heritage. Though no longer used in modern combat, it is still produced for ceremonial purposes and tourist trade. It features in colonial military accounts, British museum collections, and orientalist artwork. Its design has influenced some modern survival knives and continues to draw attention from collectors of tribal and ethnographic weapons.

Where to See

• Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, UK
• Victoria and Albert Museum, London
• Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
• Military Museums in Lahore and Peshawar, Pakistan
• Private collections, particularly among ethnographic arms collectors

Collector’s Guide (Including Auction Prices)

Collecting Notes:

• Look for signs of genuine age: wear on the grip, scabbard construction, and blade patina.
• Horn, ivory, or bone hilts are often indicators of earlier, more valuable examples.
• Pattern-welded blades or inscriptions may raise value significantly.

Estimated Auction Prices (As of 2020s):

Early Khyber knives with provenance or regimental capture marks from the British colonial period can command higher figures, particularly if linked to events such as the Anglo-Afghan Wars.