Thoughts on the Kris?

W. Anderson

W. Anderson

Joined
Jun 22, 2016
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Yeah, they might be all wavy and fantasy-like, but the must've existed as long as they've had for a reason (or maybe not)

For me, the shape of the Kris has held a certain mystique. I've owned exactly one genuine example( Filipino) of this blade type. It required a very different grip due to the traditional handle, but I found it light and quick in practice. I'll admit, my main draw is to its looks, but there's got to be something to it, right?

My interest in this is academic, and concerns its use as a combative blade. ( should've posted this in prac-tac then?)

In any case, any thoughts, insight, or critiques would be much much appreciated. (I am considering having one of these made for the aforementioned uses)

Thank you for your time.
 
Aias said:
That gave me a good chuckle... needed that. And yes, totally agree. I also agree that there is a mystique that comes with the curvy blade, but just too impractical for me to consider purchase.
Click to expand...

Imo beyond the cool look , the only good thing I can think of about the kriss blade is the movie face off 😁
I'm sure a traditional kriss bladed sword would do some real damage in battle, but I can't think of any good reason for them in today's world folder or fixed.
 
actually, the kris and other filipino bladed weapons have found much use in times when one's "world" changed drastically. they're concealable, and ideal for sudden death situations, even against superior weapons such as firearms. i can think of the American occupation beginning in 1901 where the terms "amok" and "juramentado" entered the english dictionaries. the Spaniards and the Japanese didn't bother with them so much, which was very smart of them. another time was in the early 1970's when the philippine army, under martial law, conducted a harsh pacification campaign against the normally fractious Moslem provinces. even if you're a soldier, you don't want to meet Moslem rebels on their terms.
 
IMHO Kris's waves are inspiration for modern serrated blades, which are very useful and practical for some applications ex: bread knives, rope cutting etc.
Modern serrated blades have "waves" just more of them densely packed close together and on one side only!
 
Even though most people think of the wavy blade when they think of the kris, there are kris with straight blades, as well:
attachment.php
 
Kris is also used in Malaysia and Indonesia, they are smaller than the Pilipino version.
There are straight versions too, and the long straight ones are commonly used for execution to give "clean death" by stabbing into the area behind the clavicle bone.
 
They used to be a huge part of ceremonies/rituals, and there was a lot of spiritual connection to the mythos through the kris blade.

I also imagine a wavy kris would make a nasty puncture wound.
 
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