During the Achaemenid Persian empire, employing foreign soldiers as mercenaries became commonplace. One of the “fringe” territories that became a strong asset to the Persian army was the Scythians. The Scythians were a nomadic tribe who were renowned for their ability to shoot arrows with deadly accuracy from horseback.  Other than the bow and arrow which the Scythians were renowned for, they also carried a curved short-sword, known as an akinakes. We designed this knife after the akinakes with its curved blade and upturned drop point tip. The flared butt of the handle is also modified from the styling of the time. Made of 1095 and 15n20 steels, the high carbon content of 1095 gives this knife an extremely sharp and durable edge and makes it the ideal choice for a hunting knife. The unique sheath design allows you to attach it to your belt in a horizontal or vertical position.  Scythian Handmade Damascus Steel Knife Specifications Overall Length: 9.75" Handle Length: 4.5" Blade Length: 5.25" Blade Material: Damascus Steel 1095/15n20 Blade thickness: 4mm Full Tang Rockwell Hardness: HRC 56-59 Damascus pattern: Twist Number of layers: 264 Grind: Secondary bevel Handle Material: Paka Wood Includes a full-grain leather sheath and a wood presentation box Please note: Each knife is handmade from natural materials, there will be some variation in color, Damascus pattern and overall look. The knife you receive will have the same attention to quality and detail as the one pictured but may differ slightly in appearance. Sheaths: The sheath you receive may vary in color, style, and type from what is shown in product photos. Please refer to our sheath support page or by contacting us at support@forsetisteel.com. Care Instructions 1095 steel is a high-carbon steel and will rust if not dried and oiled after use. Hand wash only with soap and hot water. Dry completely before oiling.