Uygur Pchak (silver, sadaf)

Pchak (from the Uzbek wordPichoq– knife) is a traditional knife of the Uzbeks and Uighurs, widespread with minor differences in detail throughout Central Asia. Pchaks traditionally have a single-edged blade with a full flat grind set in a narrow handle with a round cross-section. A narrow tang extends from the blade at the level of the spine. These are utility knives, for kitchen work, although among the Uighurs the pchak was a man's attribute, so it also had to be used as a weapon. Pchaks were made from various materials; for the wealthy, they could be high-quality steels with richly decorated handles, but such specimens were rare. Bulat and Damascus steel were more likely used for sabres, and mass-produced pchaks were made of low-hardness carbon steels. Today, Uzbek pchaks available in Russia are made in 90% from widely available industrial tool steel ШХ15 (Polish equivalent LH15) hardened in the range of 40-45 HRC. ШХ15 is used for the production of rings, rolling bearings and other elements requiring high hardness and abrasion resistance, working in non-corrosive conditions. It is a great material for making knives, with the proviso that it is not corrosion resistant – after use, the knife must be wiped dry. Pchaks have excellent cutting properties.

This pchak belongs to the typekajke –the tip of the blade is raised above the spine line. An elaborate handle with silver plates partially covered with mother-of-pearl (so-called sadaf). The scabbard, of a traditional form for knives from this region, is made of artificial leather with a plastic insert and decorative embossing. The blade is smoothly ground, without a dark gray shade, with a fuller running under the heel.

Overall length: 233 mm

Blade length: 135 mm

Blade width (max.): 18 mm

Blade thickness (max.): 5 mm

Steel (according to Russian nomenclature): ШХ15