These are some traditional knives made by the Iban people from Borneo.
These are chandong(s), a shortish general purchase knife. Used for the kitchen, agriculture and whatever else. The top one is a heavy version which makes it quite a good chopper. This would be used for cutting and splitting firewood, opening coconuts and heavier tasks. The cord around the sheath is used to tie it around your waist. You will note that the blade shape is not quite standard, apart from the hump at the tip. The heavy versions will have a dropped edge while for the lighter versions the edge continues from the handle in a straight line. The most common steel used are old truck springs. Chandongs are the most available big knife being sold over here.
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This is an ilang. The traditional tool for headhunting. Note that the ilang has a wharncliffe-like shaped blade. Classified as an offensive weapon in some places. The ends of the braided rattan cord attached to the sheath are to be tied together with some cord around your waist. "Blooded" ilangs will have the sheath and the end of the handle decorated with tufts of human hair. This one is of recent make, user finishing. This one is made from the blade of a chainsaw, which is considered a premium steel over here.
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This is a nyabor. Used for mainly for agriculture but also for fighting, if need be. This one is also of recent make, user finished and made from a chainsaw blade. Same maker as the ilang. The maker is a traditional Iban blacksmith, who has his forge and workshop below his stilted home.
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Note that the handles always incorporate a fork for grip retention. These are made of wood but traditionally antler was used.
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Interesting point to note that the ilng and nyabor blades are embedded with bits of brass. The traditional purpose for this was so that warriors who use mystical spells to be impervious to steel could be defeated by this bi-metal blade!
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Lastly, a small knife commonly used for handicrafts and other fine work. The main tool to be used for splitting rattan into thin strips to be used as binding, like the sort seen on the ilang and nyabor handles and sheaths. This knife is used by tucking the long end of the handle under your arm and holding near the blade, gives great control.
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Is it from a Stag or Wild Boar? Lot of workmanship in it though, thanks for posting.
