Cold Steel Moro Barong: My Opinions

[dayuhan13]

I received a Cold Steel Moro Barong as a Christmas 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 than 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

I also posted this sams thread on the Blade Discussion Forum. Thought that it would be appropriate here as well.

 

[ricco]

When I saw that Cold Steel was offering a Barong I couldn't wait to get one. Now I wish I had waited longer. To say I am unhappy with the CS Barong is quite an understatement. As the fop in the movie Rob Roy said of the Scottish Claymore "if I were going to kill an Ox it would be my first choice". I feel the same way about the CS Barong. I think I am so unhappy with this offering not only because it is too heavy but it is also so dull I ran my thumb the entire length of the blade and wasn't cut (I know, not a very smart thing to do). I also have the Warrior series Katana and it is only slightly sharper. I think Cold steel makes great knives, the Trailmaster is as good a utility knife as a man could want but after two tries I think I will buy my swords somewhere else.

 

[Copis]

I too have been wondering about this blade.......

Thanks for the review...

Bill

 

[dayuhan13]

My CS Barong was far from dull but as I had stated, no where near as sharp as my barongs from back home or my Kris Cutlery version. I've been trying to post some pics of the CS Barong's performance on a 2X4 but my photo server has been down for servicing. I was able to chop through a 2X4 in @ a minute and a half and split another 1/2 way down its length (@ 24" oal) with one blow which can easily be attributed to its weight.

I'd suggest taking it to be professionally sharpened since it makes no sense to have a dull blade regardless of your intent on using it and including it in a few weeks of training and working out. I'm not willing to allow myself to be bettered by a blade in my collection. I pushed myself to become proficient with a kampilan which is far longer and slightly heavier than the CS. Even though I no longer care to carry or use a firearm doesn't mean I don't keep up my skills.

Dayuhan