18 C. Large and Heavy Piha Kaetta Knife – Sri Lanka

The  “PIHA KAHETTA” knife, the traditional knife of the Sinhalese from Sri-Lanka (Ceylon) basically was not changed in the recent centuries. It comes in variety of dimensions, materials and quality. Heavy down curving blade, not necessarily very functional. Carved horn or ivory or metal handle and highly decorated blade with  variety of metal inserts. Size vary from 5 to 16 inches (13-55 cm).

The exemplar offered here is a large and one 14 1/2 inches (37cm) long with a classical heavy steel blade. About half of the blade length is covered with beautifully engraved brass inserts and brass inserted fuller. The blade spine is also inlaid with brass flowers, Massive brass and silver bolster and finely carved horn handle with silver panels and silver pommel plate. To emphasize its length it is photographed below next to a more common 10 inches exemplar

Blade 10 inches (25 cm). Blade thickness at the forte 5/8 inches (14 mm). Very good plus condition. Nicely patinated blade . A genuine and rare 18 C. Piha Kaetta.