Khanjar

A khanjar[a] is a traditional dagger originating from the Sultanate of Oman, although it has since spread to the rest of the Middle East[b], South Asia[c] and the Balkans.

Although it is not known when the Omani khanjar was first created, rock carvings epitomizing the dagger were found on gravestones located in the central part of the Ru’us al Jibal region.

Gold or silver would be used to make khanjar of the finest quality (e.g. for royalty), while brass and copper would be used for daggers made by local craftsmen.

[2] The most elemental sections of the khanjar are its handle and blade,[6] with the material used in the former playing a significant role influencing the final price of the dagger.

[10] Because of this development, it is now considered a "social taboo" in Oman to pull out one's khanjar from its scabbard without blooding it, since the only time men would do this would be to seek vengeance or to defend oneself.

In Oman it is given its symbolic status there,[8] it is also worn by men in the United Arab Emirates, forming an integral component of "traditional dress" in those countries.

[2][5] The khanjar was previously shown prominently on the logo[2] and planes[5] of Oman Air – the country's flag carrier[19] – until it was removed under a rebranding in 2008.

[20] The logo of Omantel also illustrates a stylized khanjar; it was retained in the logotype's motif after the telecommunications company merged with Oman Mobile in 2010.