Kukri's and scimitars

[hostileuniverse]

Are both of these types of Persian blades, or is what is referred to as "Persian", something different specifically? I've googled them and have come up with what I thought was scimitar as being called Persian. Any insight, history or reference material would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[markseventwo]

The scimitar is historically Persian (although there are different variations from different time periods/areas as the persian empire controlled more land). The Kukri design is from Nepal. But i think what youre asking is about the use of the term in modern knife culture. It refers to a specific shape of blade and handle (at least I'm pretty sure, but I'm sure someone will be able to correct me if I'm wrong). Something kind of like this

Or if you google image search Persian style knife there are a lot of good results for more traditional styled fixed blades

 

[Doogoon]

Pretty sure it's anything with a blade tip pointed "upwards."

 

[slt]

Persian styled blades take cues from scimitars, yes, but not exclusively. A Persian styled knife generally has an up swept blade, curved handle, and a nice belly. One of my favorite types of knives.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

As a point of reference, "scimitar" is actually an English bastardization of "shamshir" which means "lion's tail." It is the most widespread style of Islamic sword, but there are many other national styles of curved swords used in the Afro-Indo-Persian regions. An excellent coffee table book on them is Islamic Arms and Armor by Anthony C. Tirri.

I personally think it more likely that the Western "persian" style knife pattern takes its influence from the Middle Eastern khanjar or pesh kabz.

Khanjar:

Pesh kabz: