Language: Ainu
Source: John Batchelor; An Ainu-English-Japanese dictionary. 1905.

Description

Mekkashike is the Ainu word for the back of a knife, or sword. Also the ridge of a mountain or house.1

I wonder whether it is meant to describe all backs of knives and swords, or specifically the ridged spine seen on some larger blades.

 

Ridged spine on Ainu dagger

Ridged spine on an Ainu dagger.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion in 2022.

 

Notes
1. John Batchelor; An Ainu-English-Japanese dictionary (including a grammar of the Ainu language). Tokyo Methodist Publishing House, 1905.

Glossary of terms

Makiri overview

#

English

 

Ainu

1 Knife blade     makiri-ibe / ibehe
2 Knife handle     makiri-nip
3 Knife sheath     makiri-saya
4 Back of knife     mekkashike
5 Edge     notak
6 Point of knife     kanetuhu / etuhu
       
       

Further reading

Main glossary article: Makiri
Glossary article: Kuttom-ushbe
Glossary article: Emushi
Article: Knives and swords of the Ainu

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