Barong -- why so small?

David Lowry said:
I just will not be dropping $150 on that knife. That's all.
Click to expand...

Me neither, my lone gripe with the Barong/Khukri are the price tags. Had these been more typically designed knives I would not have even considered them for purchase or use. Thank God for the second hand market! :)
 
I think it's kind of obvious that a good number of Spyderco designs were more oriented to the collectors' market rather than the user, though I'm sure every Spyderco is manufactured to rigid specifications and robust enough for hard use.

Frankly, except for slight nuances in balance and feel from one model to another, various sizes, and especially improvements in steel and other materials, they've already created all the knives that anyone would need for mundane tasks.
 
Fair point, shang. But if the Barong were 6 or 7 inches with a full edge, it would not be just another Spyderco duplicating what other models already do better. It would add new capabilities and options to the Spyderco lineup.

I doubt that it would bother collectors if their new knife was as fresh in function as it is in form.
 
Ed Schempp's Barong has a lot going for it. Looks like it is time to do a new video and explain the ins and outs of the knife and what it is capable of, since most don' t seem to understand it.

I won't get into a lot of it here, but the extended choil or "non sharpened" area allows for a variety of useful grips, for both utility and self defense, that are not possible with the edge sharpened (unless you want to work at Fingerless Frank's Mystery Tacos that is). The "cockatoo beak" at the end of the handle is taken directly from the fighting barongs from the Philippines, and allows for cleaving, a powerful snap of the wrist, and a secure "extended grip" that is not possible without such a design.

When I get a chance, I'll do a video, like I did with the Lava, Kris, Rock Salt, Karambit, Smallfly, et al.

I highly recommend to my students that they pick up a Barong. It has some very interesting uses;)
 
Would love to see your review. Where is your Lava review?

But I struggle to see how it is safe to slide your fingers around on a smooth, straight section of the blade where there is a seamless transition to sharpened edge. I'd love to see you explain that safety feature to OSHA. The fingers need a guard or an indented choil to keep them from sliding onto the edge.
 
KaliGman said:
Ed Schempp's Barong has a lot going for it. Looks like it is time to do a new video and explain the ins and outs of the knife and what it is capable of, since most don' t seem to understand it.

I won't get into a lot of it here, but the extended choil or "non sharpened" area allows for a variety of useful grips, for both utility and self defense, that are not possible with the edge sharpened (unless you want to work at Fingerless Frank's Mystery Tacos that is). The "cockatoo beak" at the end of the handle is taken directly from the fighting barongs from the Philippines, and allows for cleaving, a powerful snap of the wrist, and a secure "extended grip" that is not possible without such a design.

When I get a chance, I'll do a video, like I did with the Lava, Kris, Rock Salt, Karambit, Smallfly, et al.

I highly recommend to my students that they pick up a Barong. It has some very interesting uses;)
Click to expand...

Thanks KaliGman, very informative. I'm looking forward to your video to learn more.

- regards
 
spoonrobot said:
Me neither, my lone gripe with the Barong/Khukri are the price tags. Had these been more typically designed knives I would not have even considered them for purchase or use. Thank God for the second hand market! :)
Click to expand...

Exactly. I mean if I'm gonna pay $150 it's going to be made in the U.S.A. not any other place. I think Seki-City does a great job on the $50-$60 Delica's and Salt's but I don't wanna spend that kind of money unless it's made here.
 
Last edited:
KaliGman said:
Ed Schempp's Barong has a lot going for it. Looks like it is time to do a new video and explain the ins and outs of the knife and what it is capable of, since most don' t seem to understand it.

I won't get into a lot of it here, but the extended choil or "non sharpened" area allows for a variety of useful grips, for both utility and self defense, that are not possible with the edge sharpened (unless you want to work at Fingerless Frank's Mystery Tacos that is). The "cockatoo beak" at the end of the handle is taken directly from the fighting barongs from the Philippines, and allows for cleaving, a powerful snap of the wrist, and a secure "extended grip" that is not possible without such a design.

When I get a chance, I'll do a video, like I did with the Lava, Kris, Rock Salt, Karambit, Smallfly, et al.

I highly recommend to my students that they pick up a Barong. It has some very interesting uses;)
Click to expand...

Interesting points that I admit didn't come to mind when I first analyzed the designs, although they should have.

I will eagerly await your video. :thumbup:
 
I filmed a short video on Monday night. I will edit it (convert from 6mm DV video to QuickTime, etc.) this weekend. I should have the video up on www.albokalisilat.org in the next couple of weeks (my law enforcement "day job" is very busy right now and getting it ready for the web will take a little time I don't have yet).

The video is a quick little demonstration of some of the uses of the Barong.

Oh, and since I recently broke my right hand, I did the whole thing left handed:D.
 
It's a very cool knife, but not a practical one for my uses. I hope it does well for them but with my limited funds there won't be one in my pocket. :(
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top