Handmade Damascus Steel Folding Knife (Koftagiri art) from India

Description

Damascus Steel Koftagiri Folding Knife.
Total lenght: 7.2 inch. aprox
Blade lenght: 3.2 inch
Handle lenght: 4 inch
Blade material: Damascus steel
Handle material: Cooper and Silver
Koftagiri is the art of gold and silver wire inlay on iron objects. The technique involves encrusting one metal onto another. Lohars (metal workers), Sikligars (polishers) and Sonis (silver and gold smiths) worked on ornamented weaponry for Mughal and Rajput warriors. The metal surface is roughened, heated and naturally cooled. Silver and gold wires are inlaid into the metal and the surface is flattened with a moonstone.
This fine art is practiced in the state of Rajasthan only by a few families.
Damascus steel was the forged steel comprising the blades of swords smithed in the Near East from ingots of wootz steel imported from India and Sri Lanka.
These swords are characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water. Such blades were reputed to be tough, resistant to shattering, and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge.
Our store wants to support this great artisans, paying a fair price for their work and support this amazing tradition.