Kin [Item registry]

A khanjar (Arabic: خنجر‎, Persian: خنجر‎, Turkish: Hançer) is an Arabic word used to describe several types of traditional daggers which look completely different from each other. The Omani khanjar is tucked underneath a waist belt and is situated at the front and centre of the wearer's body. It used to form part of everyday attire; however, it is now carried as a "ceremonial dagger", and worn only for formal events and ceremonies – such as weddings, parades, meetings, and diplomatic functions – among many other occasions. Labelled a "ubiquitous sign of masculinity" by John M. Willis in the The Arab Studies Journal, the khanjar is a symbol of "manhood, power and authority", as well as serving as a status symbol for the person wearing it. As a result, it is sometimes given by families to their sons when they reach adolescence, and is a common wedding gift to the groom.

Although the khanjar was originally created as a weapon to attack and defend, it is utilized solely for ceremonial and practical purposes today. The latter situation would occur in the desert, where it is used as a tool for hunting and skinning animals, as well as for slicing ropes. Because of this development, it is now considered a "social taboo" in Oman to pull out one's khanjar from its scabbard, since the only time men would do this would be to seek vengeance or to defend oneself.