Photos Bought a machete like knife today. Need help identifying?

[Timslund]

Bought a knife today that doesn't have any makers marks on it. Hand-forged? Black leather sheath, bone(?) handle with scrimshaw like markings on one side only. Can anyone help us to put some history with this knife? Thanks from Minnesota!

 

[Houlahound]

Dunno but it looks very authentic....nice buy.

Guessing Indonesian or thereabouts or India.

 

[Timslund]

Thanks for your guess!

 

[Henry Beige]

My first guess is golok (Malaysian) or parang (Indonesian), but the blade shape is generic enough that it could come from a lot of places. The fishtail handle shape could be a clue, as could the scrimshaw, but it would take someone knowledgable to make that call. My first reaction to the sheath is Scandinavian, but that is only my ignorance, as the shape could come from a lot of other places, too.

If you search on parang, golok, and bolo, you might come across some images that will tell you more.

 

[Timslund]

Thank you, Henry. Your insight is appreciated! I will search on the types you suggested.

 

[ColoradoHoldout]

Bought a knife today that doesn't have any makers marks on it. Hand-forged? Black leather sheath, bone(?) handle with scrimshaw like markings on one side only. Can anyone help us to put some history with this knife? Thanks from Minnesota!

It looks like it could be from a lot of places. My dad has a machete with a sheath that looks very familiar, with the stitching and tassels on the bottom, and that came from Mexico. I think what would get you furthest in your shirt is looking into the shape of that handle, maybe the material of the handle, and the scrollwork on the handle. The handle is the most distinctive so that's where I would focus.

 

[Timslund]

Thank you!

 

[tltt]

It's Mexican. The butt is vaguely in the shape of a boot. Handle is green cattle horn. If you google "Mexico horn machete" you'll see other types. mostly longer. Someone might be able to narrow down the area, I've seen similar shorter types being noted as coming from Baja and Jalisco.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalisco

 

[bikerector]

The sheath reminds me of the Himilayan imports kuhkri sheaths so I wonder if it's from that kind of area.

What's the thickness? I would guess the SE Asia area as well but it doesn't look as thick as a parang, almost barong-ish which I believe are Philipeno origin. But, it could have come from anyway. I believe Africa has a lot of designs like that since they still use machetes as a tool and a primary weapon.

 

[Timslund]

It's Mexican. The butt is vaguely in the shape of a boot. Handle is green cattle horn. If you google "Mexico horn machete" you'll see other types. mostly longer. Someone might be able to narrow down the area, I've seen similar shorter types being noted as coming from Baja and Jalisco.

Thank you!

 

[Timslund]

The sheath reminds me of the Himilayan imports kuhkri sheaths so I wonder if it's from that kind of area.

What's the thickness? I would guess the SE Asia area as well but it doesn't look as thick as a parang, almost barong-ish which I believe are Philipeno origin. But, it could have come from anyway. I believe Africa has a lot of designs like that since they still use machetes as a tool and a primary weapon.

 

[Timslund]

The thickness is about 1/8 inch at the handle and tapers down to about 1/32 inch at end of the blade. Weight is .9 lbs and blade is very ridged.

 

[Beastchopper]

Bought a knife today that doesn't have any makers marks on it. Hand-forged? Black leather sheath, bone(?) handle with scrimshaw like markings on one side only. Can anyone help us to put some history with this knife? Thanks from Minnesota!

Awesome find

 

[JBC6650]

If you bought it in Minnesota it could be a rare Norwegian-Mexican Viking head lopper. You should keep it and wear it to the Renaissance Festival, build a good back story and you'll have them eating out of the palm of your hand.