Cold Steel Moro Barong: My Opinions

[dayuhan13]

I received a Cold Steel Moro Barong as a gift. I was wondering if anyone else has one and what thier opinion is? I've been handling it since Wednesday and have some mixed feelings about it. Most especially when compared to other barongs I have or handled in the past.

After some cutting tests and kali drills, I have a bittersweet opinion of this massive blade. I love the materials. The 18" mirror finished 1050 blade is eyecatching. The rosewood kakatua and sheath are nice details. Manufacturing was very well done with no visible flaws whatsoever. These are Cold Steel's specs:

Weight: 30.1 oz.
Blade Thickness: 1/4"
Blade Length: 18"
Handle: 4 3/4" long.
Steel: 1050
Overall Length: 25"

My biggest issue is the handle. There are few barongs that I have come across that have a pinned tang. Those few all maintained the traditional handle profile, tapered toward the blade, flared "bird's beak" pommel. The CS has a very thick waist measuring 4 3/4" in circumference, considerably larger than any of barongs, all of which are well under 3 1/2". This thick handle was tough to wrap my hands around and did not allow me a solid secure grasp I expect when handling a barong. The CS also has bands carved into the waist which I suspect, are supposed to aid in grip. I found them very uncomfortable and restrictive when I was applying some kali concepts and conducting heavy chopping tests.

Another issue is the weight. At 30.1 ozs. alone and @ 34 ozs. sheathed, the CS is well heavier than anything I own. My closest comparison is my 19" barong that weighs in at 19 ozs. solo. The thick 1/4" spine seems too thick in this instance. The sheer weight and grip issues did not let me appreciate the full potential this blade has. Although if the grip problem did not exist, I'm sure I would get used to the weight in little time. Rarely have I handled a barong that did not seem "at home" in my hands. I was quite frustrated by being unable to work the CS as efficiently and with the intensity I expect of myself.

To compare my other barongs to the CS is an apples and oranges situation. The CS is clearly the most durable of them all and if I was able to overcome the grip issue, the most devastating. Where the CS falls short is in speed, edge, and usabilty. It's very slow and cumbersome. The edge is sharp but far from what my other blades present. Redirection and unorthodox attack flows are not its better characteristics. Overall, the CS is far from being my first choice. In the field or in combat, I would not be comfortable using it but appreciate what is has to offer. In it's current state, it nothing more that a very well constructed showpiece with potential.

Bottom line. If you've got the hands, the knowledge, and the strength this is the barong for you. With the right individual, I'd expect it to be a very effective tool. It's much sharper that the edge seems and it's sheer size easily cleaves, chops and splits whatever it comes into contact with. I would suggest a kydex sheath for carry and leave the rosewood at home especially since the rosewood lacks a any carry features.

I will post others pics of the barong vs. a 2x4 soon!

Thanks,
Dayuhan

 

[Glasgow_kiss]

Nice review. I believe the Cold Steel Barong was barong was modeled after an antique one in Ron Balicki's collection. I believe that one was made for a large filipino so the cold steel version would be more suitable for a westener.

I have been thinking of getting this one myself. The grip concerns me a bit now... Can I ask how large are you and how large are your hands?

 

[dayuhan13]

Glasgow

I'm 5'5" and @ 170lbs. I've got big hands compared to another Filipino, average sized hands compared to everyone else. As I mentioned earlier, anyone who regularly trains with Filipino sandatas (weapons) will notice the difference in the handle size and profile. Whether or not it's a positive or negative attribute is on an individual basis. I let a friend of mine check it out this afternoon and he liked the handle but felt it to be heavier than necessary. In his opinion, a blade that weight should be 20" or longer for that amount of steel. He's 6'1", about 210 - 220 lbs and into Claymores and Double Bastard swords so he's used to swinging bigger blades.

I did have a look at his roman gladius, roughly the same size and weight as the CS Barong, just for comparison. The gladius had a round hilt about 4" in circumference at the waist. It was much more comfortable and easier to control than my barong. I fully intend on reshaping the handle to better suit my hands. I hate to own something that I would unable to proficiently use if needed.

If you are looking into a barong and have doubts about CS. Check out Kris Cutlery for thier Philippine Sandatas. They currently have a 12" and 14" barongs available. From what I've heard, Mr. Quirino has done some custom blade lengths by request and for a premium if you're interested.