Uzbek Pchak (argali horn handle with mother of pearl) 2

Pchak (from the Uzbek word Pichoq – knife) is a traditional knife of the Uzbeks and Uyghurs, widespread with slight variations in detail throughout Central Asia. Pchaks traditionally feature a single-edged blade with a full flat grind, set into a narrow handle with a round cross-section. A narrow tang extends from the blade at the spine level. These are utility knives meant for kitchen work, although among the Uyghurs, the pchak was a male attribute, so it must have also been used as a weapon. Pchaks were made from various materials; for the wealthy, they could feature high-quality steel with lavishly decorated elements, though such pieces were rare. Wootz and Damascus steel were mostly reserved for sabers, while mass-produced pchaks were made from carbon steels of lower hardness. Today, many pchaks are made of stainless steel, primarily Russian 40x13 stainless steel hardened within the range of 54-56 HRC.

This particular Kayke-type pchak, where the tip of the knife is raised above the spine line, belongs precisely to this group of stainless steel pchaks. Sukma-type handle (meaning push-tang construction) made of the horn of the argali – a species of wild sheep widespread in Central Asia that inhabits high mountain regions. A bolster made of melchior. Both the bolster and the handle itself are decorated with mother of pearl. The sheath is closer in style to Russian sheaths than to the traditional sheaths of the region (thicker leather, snap fastener closure). Forged 40x13 stainless steel (it could not be otherwise, as the material is sourced from engine valves). A relatively large thickness at the spine for a pchak of this length, which likely explains the large fuller (wide groove) right below the spine. The fuller reduces the weight of the blade while simultaneously shifting its rigidity.

Overall length: 260 mm

Blade length: 138 mm

Blade width (max.): 30 mm

Blade thickness (max.): 4.4 mm

Steel (according to Russian nomenclature): 40x13