First impression, batangas bolo from Reflections of Asia

SilverFoxKnows

SilverFoxKnows

Joined
Sep 25, 2002
Messages
3,179
In a word, cool. I got the 15" blade, haven't weighed it yet but it's pretty lively, and the whole thing comes in at just over 20". It's no heavy chopper, the spine at the hilt is a little under 3/16" and it tapers toward the tip. From edge to spine is 1.75". This one says "weapon" to my mind, although it looks like it will do a good job on the ivy. The fit and finish isn't as good as HI and it didn't come with much of an edge. Just from running a stone along the length I'd say it isn't as hard as my WWII from Kumar. But for $20 I'll happily put some work into it. When I try it in the yard I'll post more.

Frank
 
I've had one for about 3 years.

Mine is the one with the really wide end of the blade.

I think the tempering is excellent as good as the best HI.

On mine the handle needed removing and re gluing but after that and after I put a convex edge on it it will chop as good or better than a khuk it's size and the price is right:thumbup:
 
Saturday I recieved both the large and the small Batangas bolos. The small one has a guard (not pictured on the site), the large one looks just like the one shown. There are dippsy doodles from the forging, but the edges are straight. Distal taper on both blades, convex primary profile, and handles look alot like walnut but I know they aren't. The small one needed stropping and the large one has a few flat spots on the edge. Small one is lively, big one feels almost sword like. I etched the large one with Ferric Chloride and it seems to show a very narrow band along the whole length; I have already given the smaller one to my dad and didn't get to etch it. Using a ceramic rod on the edge, I would say that it is in the mid 50's RC. The small ones handle fit real well in my mid to large hand, the large one I will take down some. These are definitly user class, villagers if you will. Nothing but the basics in fit and finish. I will give a report once I have actually used them.

Also, Jun at Reflections of Asia said that it will be April before the Ilocos bolos are back in stock. My buddy here at work grew up in the boonies of Ilocos, and said that the two bottom styles are very popular and useful. He also said that the Ilocos area has a good reputation for producing quality bolos.
 
This is good news indeed. After this came up the other day I ordered one of the knives. If it doesn't arrive today I'm getting worried. I have been keeping myself from expecting much (get what you pay for (20???)). Now I'm excited. I got the top one in the pics. Looked like it had a keeper nut. Sweet review. Thanks Frank....

Are you going to get more?
 
Andy, if it was one of the carabao horn handled ones, they are out of stock (see my post above). Give Jun a call to see what is up.
 
I have the bottom 2 styles of the Ilocos bolos. The handles are pretty roughly finished, but polish up quite nicely. In fact, that was my first experience in polishing horn. WEAR A MASK.

I like the knives. Sharpen very well. My only gripe with them is that they have "Made in the Philippines" stamped in 5-foot letters on the blade. Well, OK, ...
 
Earth Pig, the small Batangas had no markings, and the large one was stamped with 1/8" letters for some name (don't have it here at work) :o .

My buddy is bringing in his bolo that is like the middle one to repair for him. He said that it has chopped the head off of too many goats and it needs some loving:eek:
 
"not much of an edge" I didn't mean flat spots. Just not real sharp. Mid 50s sounds about right, if I'm any judge with a stone. The handle is comfy, if a little rough. The tang runs all the way through and is peened over a small brass keeper. And, like Stevo said, it sure looks like walnut. Glad to hear they make good users. I really like the middle style of Ilocos, might have to get one when they're back in stock.

Frank
 
Still waiting. No big deal though waiting for a knife makes a day go by. I called and left a message.
 
Ok, have the beast in front of me. Blade is about 3/16"thick nearest the handle, 1 5/8" at widest, 18 1/2" long; distal taper takes it to 1/16" about a half inch from tip. Handle is 6" long, offers 2 distinct methods of gripping. Blade is stamped with what looks like "CODIA". Told a fib in earlier post, hardened section stops 2 3/4" from the where it enters the handle. Easily chopped through the triangular shipping box in one whack. More to come later.
 
What do those bolos weigh? Sounds like a good deal. They are users, for sure.

I just got a KC pinuti bolo. It has a 21" blade (satin finish), is 1-3/4" wide and yells sword at you. It weighs 25 3/8oz and has a real nice ebony handle (6-1/2"). The leather sheath is lousy, and so I will have to do some woodworking soon.
 
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