A black case containing a silver engraved gun with a curved blade, possibly a ceremonial or decorative weapon.

Traditional manufacture of a Khanjar

Traditional manufacture of a Khanjar

Written by: Nils Lindhorst Last updated at: May 21, 2025

A Khanjar is a traditional ceremonial dagger, as still worn in Oman today. Originally, the dagger, whose blade is shaped like a J or a hook, was intended as a weapon for attack or defense, but today it is more of a ceremonial garment and a status symbol.

Materials used

The art of weapon smithing was highly perfected in the Arab countries during the Middle Ages. Just think of famous swords like the Damascus or other masterpieces of sword and dagger craftsmanship, and it quickly becomes clear that Arab master blacksmiths have made weapons like a Khanjar into one thing – a work of art. It also becomes clear why a Khanjar has always been something of a status symbol in a way. In earlier days, these weapons could be worn only by members of the Sultan's family. Today, any Omani man is allowed to wear a Khanjar. The Khanjar is always worn on the left, with the tip pointing to the right. The material that has actually been used says a lot about the status of the person. The handle of particularly valuable weapons was made of ivory. Today, most Khanjars have handles made of wood, plastic, or camel bone. Wood and bone were also historically the materials from which the handles of simpler Khanjars were made. How much gold and silver has been incorporated into the dagger itself shows how wealthy the owner of the Khanjar is.

Manufacturing – a matter between the smith and the owner

Traditionally, every Khanjar was designed by its future owner or by the one who wanted to present it as a gift to another man. Since there are no traditional materials for production, each client had to discuss with the smith the possibilities for creating an individual Khanjar. In addition to the handle and the double-edged blade, there is also something else that holds great significance for the Khanjar, namely the sheath and belt. For it is here too that one can see how wealthy the wearer is. Particularly high-quality Khanjars are worn in a leather sheath with a leather belt – both of which are naturally interwoven with gold and silver threads. Today, you can actually purchase Khanjars at almost all souks in the country. The merchants know that tourists regard the curved dagger as a symbol of Oman and are therefore willing to spend a little more for the ceremonial weapon. However, buyers often overlook that in many cases these are unfortunately cheap imitations from India. Those who want to acquire a truly good Khanjar should carefully examine the offered items and, if necessary, seek advice from a tour guide. Often, just having a plastic handle is already a sign of rather poor craftsmanship. Here, one should pay attention to ensure that it is a decorative wooden handle.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

Curving railway tracks on a gravel bed, captured from a low angle.

Railway in Oman

2 min read

There are currently hardly any train connections in Oman. There is only a small railway line that is about 500 meters long and connects Nizwa the visitors of the Al Hotta Cave from the ticket office to the entrance of the cave. However, the expansion of the railway network in Oman is being planned. The infrastructure is growing The railway is the last major infrastructure project that is to be tackled in Oman. The expansion of the roads, the ports and the pipelines has long been completed and has helped the country to experience a previously unknown upswing. Now, the establishment of a rail...

A barren desert landscape with distant mountains under a clear sky.

Ancient times

1 min read

Already in the third century, the eastern Arabian Peninsula was inhabited by the Umm an-Nar culture, whose territory extended from present-day UAE to the northern part of Oman. Important trading partners for this early culture were the Sumerians as well as the Indus Valley culture in present-day Pakistan. The land was then referred to as Magan and was limited to the present northern part of the sultanate. Little is known about the organization of this culture, aside from a mention by Naram-Sin of Akkad (2200 BC) about a victory over King Manium of Magan. Due to the existing copper deposits in...

A quiet road in a mountainous area of Oman with street lamps and some buildings on the side.

Roads in Oman

2 min read

The infrastructure in Oman is modern and has now been well developed. When the oil business was started in 1967, it was hardly present. However, a good infrastructure was necessary to bring the progress that Sultan Qaboos envisioned for Oman and which he has continuously advanced since coming to power in 1970. In this respect, most roads in the country were only built in the 1970s or later. Expansion of the road network The road network in Oman is about 60,000 kilometers long. Almost every small town in the country is now connected to the network of paved roads. In recent years, 2000 kilomet...

Why book with the Oman specialist

On site

Own Canvas Club team with office in Muscat and Salalah. We know all tour guides for many years, all services on site come from us - from one source!

Expertise

Every travel consultant has already lived in Oman for several years. We know all the hotels and highlights of the country personally! And are several times a year on the spot.

Hotel product

Own luxury desert camp 'Canvas Club' in the Wahiba Sands desert with exclusive benefits for our clients

Network

Attractive prices and exclusive benefits through long-standing, trusting partnerships with local hoteliers and service providers.

Accessibility

Contactable 7 days a week via all common communication channels - 24h emergency number on site.

Personal

Each trip is individually worked out and 100% tailored to your needs!