Uzbek Pchak 7 (damascus, stabilized red wood)

The Pchak (from the Uzbek word Pichoq – knife) is a traditional knife of the Uzbeks and Uyghurs, widespread with minor variations in details 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, intended for kitchen work, although among the Uyghurs, the pchak was an attribute of a man, so it must have also been used as a weapon. Pchaks were made from various materials; for the wealthy, they could be of high-quality steels with richly decorated handles, but such examples were rare. Wootz (Bulat) and Damascus steel were more likely used for sabers, while mass-produced pchaks were made from low-hardness carbon steels.

This particular piece belongs to a more expensive variety of pchaks, with a blade made of Uzbek, low-hardness (40-45 HRC), but nevertheless Damascus steel. The blade is susceptible to corrosion; remember to wipe the knife dry after use and store it in a dry place. The blade profile is of the "kayke" type – the tip of the knife is raised above the spine line. The handle is of the "yerma" type, meaning it is not uniform but consists of a metal center and scales, in this case, made of stabilized Karelian birch. The birch is specially dyed to achieve the prized "marbled" pattern. The gulband (a bolster characteristic of pchaks) is decorated with mother-of-pearl (sadaf). The sheath, with a traditional form for knives from this region, is made of artificial leather with a plastic insert and decorative embossing.

Overall length: 268 mm

Blade length: 150 mm

Blade width (max.): 28 mm

Blade thickness (max.): 2.2 mm