does anyone here regularly make middle eastern style knives?

[Travis Fry]

I'm planning to start making a few khanjars and was hoping to have some conversations with some folks who have made them before. Specifically, I want to know how to get the ridge down the center of the blade nice and crisp like the one below. I have a few ideas, but I'm hoping there's an easier way than what I'm thinking of.

I'm also having some difficulties visualizing how to fit a handle shaped like the one below. Mine may or may not have a horse head (some likely will), but it's the double curves that are throwing me for a loop, especially since there is no ricasso on these blades. Any ideas? I'd love feedback, and would especially benefit from a phone call or email.

 

[Brian Ayres]

There is one Member here from Turkey who posts. Assuva.

He might be able to help, but isn't around often.

Here's an example of his work.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/850522-Turkish-Sword-(Kilij)?p=9632324#post9632324

 

[jdm61]

Vince Evans is one of the masters at getting those ridge lines just so. He uses scrapers. As for the handle, i would suspect that a fairly substantial amount of inletting of the handle is required.