Knife making in the Philippines vs Nepal

I would guess it's not too different. Maybe somebody with more knowledge than me will come along and set the record straight.

Frank
 
I know they have the forge up higher and stand up while forging the blade, instead of squatting. Otherwise, it's a pretty similar process.
 
similar in what respects?

Styles of knives...quality of products, methods of manufacture, reputation, steels/materials used?

Unforunately I've never seen a modern philippine knife that was of decent quality. Somebody, somewhere has to make a good quality Philippine knife..I've just never seen it. They do have a reputation for low grade products. :(

Standing or sitting, it's still heat and beat. :D I'd still like to see a tutorial on how the islanders do it tho.

Styles...one is one of the most rugged countryside in the world and the other is an island. That will determine diferrent styles to a great extent.
 
The one thing I have noticed is whatever species of horn that they use in the phillipines does not seem to crack as much.
 
They use water buffalo horn native to the P.I., hollow, called Carabao.

Just as a sidenote there is a Philippine empty-hand/grappling art I am *trying* to learn (you must be in peak physical condition lol I am NOT *cough) called "Buno" and in the P.I. they have an annual festival and at this festival Buno practitioners wrestle live Carabao. Oh yea!!!

The horn of this animal is beautiful, and carvings made from the horn have adorned some pretty sick blade-handles!
 
In the Phillipeans today they make cheap but efficent agricutural tools & tourist junk.

Its all forged steel though, in low tech production.

No one realy has a warrier base for. weapons any more. in most countrys production is, agricutral, {needs to be strong but not well balanced.} tourist, {covers a million sins} & export. {If you think its good enough to buy, they will make more.}

Intresting questian though.

Spiral
 
Quality may vary with the vendor. I have gotten some very nice things from Kris Cutlery. I know that cheaper methods may be used by other vendors.

The knives and swords from Kris Cutlery that I have are all differentially tempered, and come with nice sheaths. You can see the temper lines on them.
 
I got a couple Philippine butterfly knives in the early 80's that are pretty well done. Blades are hand-forged carbon and pretty hard. Handles on one are black horn which has yet to crack or shrink, and the other is bone. Bolsters are heavy brass and both are marked "Balisong" which I believe is a town in the Philippeans which specializes in knives.

Also have a small bolo my Uncle brought back from there after WWII. It appears they can/could make pretty decent knives there, ranging from intricate butterfly folders to major choppers.
 
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