'Ethnic' handmade knives

[Lorien]

I just got these two goloks yesterday, apparently from Jakharta, (by way of Mission).

Thriftiness has been the priority lately when it comes to getting knives, and I'm about as happy with these two as can be. Definitely not competitive finish and materials-wise with what I usually get drawn to, but extremely appealing to me nonetheless. It was a treat to spend so little for such nice handmade knives.

Please feel free to discuss your thoughts on these knives, and your interest, (if any) in 'ethnic' handmade knives. All comments are welcome, if you are completely disgusted by these goloks, feel free to say so and more importantly, why you think that is. Don't worry, you won't be affecting anyone's livlihood here, (don't even know who made them) or my feelings.

Also, you are welcome to post pictures of your 'ethnic' knives in this thread, or any thoughts whatsoever relating to them.

Now, you'll notice I've used parentheses with the word ethnic. The reason for this is that I'm not entirely sure that is the best descriptor, if you have any ideas about that, I'd love to read them!

 

[Jos]

Nice stuff. The carving on the first one is really nice!

Kind regards,

Jos

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

Lorien,

Thanks for posting this.

I do not know enough about this style of knive to comment much on them, other than to agree with your comment about the fit and finish not being in accordance with the other knives I have seen you post here. But I think that is kind of obvious, and given the price may still represent a nice value - especially if these are going to be "users."

If you can post any information on goloks I would love to read it and learn. I believe there was an article in Blade in the past year or so about this type of knife. But maybe I am mistaken about that. I am also curious about the materials? What woods awere used? Do you know if these woods are native to Indonesia and/or traditional to goloks?

I will add that my daughter is really into dragons, which kind of makes me into dragons. So I like the dragons on the first knive.

Thanks!

 

[Lorien]

my 7 year old daughter is into dragons too! Maybe this would be a good 13 year birthday present or something....(always planning ahead)

funny enough, I didn't actually buy these knives as users, (although knowing myself as I do, I'm sure I'll give them a spin). I guess I have a pretty big collection of ethnic knives. Nothing super high end, as that stuff is hard to come by, and it seems most of the really valuable knives are antiques, and if I'm going to pay that amount of coin, I'd rather support a bladesmith who is still living and help him/her put food on the table.

Early in my custom knife days, where I couldn't seem to be doing enough research and everything was new to me, I stumbled across this website; http://www.valiantco.com/ and bought a couple goloks. Using these knives was, and continues to be, a real pleasure.

I'm not in a financial situation which enables me to spend a lot of money on knives, which is fine by me, as sometimes it's enough just to know that people are pouring their heart and soul into high art pieces, like what I saw at AKI and what I get to see regularly here. My limit is maybe $1000 and I have to save for a year to get that together, (which I'm doing now, wait til you see the result!)

 

[parbajtor]

I know what you mean about their "ethnic" nature, but there's a fair bit of variation in the traditional shapes styles and these aren't really that far outside that envelope. The aluminum bolsters and the use of spacers is a "modern" touch. They have a kind of "retro ethnic" flavour like the new Mini or the Camaro ZL1. Not completely authentic, but they certainly have an appeal.

 

[kamagong]

Fascinating knives. They seem to share a bit with the khukuris from Himalayan Imports -- well-made users, a bit gussied-up for the Western market, but not up to the fit and finish standards of American and European makers. Still, the quality is remarkable given the limited tools these Third World makers have at their disposal.

I have a soft spot for ethnic knives. My first forged blade was a Nepalese khukuri and it remains a favorite to this day. I am currently interested in Finnish puukkos.

 

[Lorien]

nice!