Code: AN3
This is a modern khanjarji from Yemen, a type of janbiya. The wootz (“Damascus”) steel blade is serrated and quite sharp; there is little doubt it could serve its traditional historic function of defense. The blade bears a gold floral cartouche. The all-steel hilt is entirely covered in exquisite gold koftgari. 
The janbiya is the main accessory to the clothing worn by Yemeni men. A man’s janbiya is carefully protected and worn for life; almost an indispensable part of their personalities. In Yemen, no man is complete without his jambiya.
The Jewish artisans of Yemen proved to be great geniuses in manufacturing the janbiya and it became their exclusive profession. Individuals and sometimes entire families gained celebrity for their fine workmanship of the janbiya.
Like many edged weapons in other cultures, the jambiya has acquired a history of magical thinking. There are stories of jambiya’s used to treat snakebites, and others that are helpful in recovery from traffic accidents!
Many people in the Hajjah region of Yemen believe that some janbiyas make one’s skin and face shine when they are worn.
The janbiya is worn around the waist in many cases towards the side. The name “Janbiya” is from “jamb” which in Arabic means “side”.
He who abandons his janbiya, whatever the conditions, would be defamed by his peers and acquaintances. (Officials and government employees are forbidden to wear their janbiyas during working hours, judges, MPs and sheikhs are exempted.)
Furthermore, the janbiya should never come out of its sheath except in extreme cases ... or when it is used in the famous Yemeni dance called “bara’a”.