Antique 19th C. Afghan Choora Dagger – Waziri Tribal Karud Knife with Brass & Wood Sheath

Choora (or Chura), a specific regional variant of the Karud dagger primarily used by the Mahsud and Waziri tribes of the Khyber Pass region (Afghanistan and Pakistan border)

Tribal Identification & Markings

The decorative elements on your knife are highly characteristic of early 20th-century Waziri craftsmanship:

• The Scabbard: The brass exterior covering a wooden core is standard for this type. The hand-stamped “sunburst” or “star” motifs on the wide brass throat are traditional geometric patterns used by local artisans to signify origin and protect the wood beneath.

• The Hilt Construction: The metal collar (bolster) between the blade and handle features hand-engraved floral and linear patterns. These were often made of a “white metal” alloy (similar to nickel-silver).

• Handle Materials: The handle appears to be composed of two materials: white bone or ivory near the blade and a yellowish-orange horn or resin near the pommel. These are secured by traditional large-headed rivets.

History & Function

• The “T-Back” Blade: As noted previously, the “T” shaped cross-section of the spine allowed the knife to be extremely thin yet impossible to bend, making it a specialized tool for puncturing armor.

• Approximate Era: Given the specific style of the stamped brass and the patina on the handle, this piece likely dates from 1890 to 1920. This was a period of high production for tribal weaponry during conflicts in the North-West Frontier.