A peculiar branch of artistic metal working in Uzbekistan is that of making knives with a pointed blade, which are kept in a leather sheath ornamented with metal plates, embroidery, applique, and paintings. These knives are called guldor pichok-a nicely ornamented knife-which vary in shape. The blades have local peculiarities-they may be narrow or wide, straight-lined or curved. Their hafts also differ, varying from one piece to those made of parts, wooden or ivory, inlaid or painted. Among all the old centers that produced fancy knives Chust in Fergana Valley retains its significance. Chust knives are famed for the high skill applied in making them, for their delicate and proportionate shape.
