My recent acquisition of 3 more real Filipino swords (that I gloated about in the "Good buys still out there" thread) has lead me to take a closer look at my meager collection. So far I have managed to round up 6 full size kris, 1 kris dagger, 2 barongs, 1 pira, 1 golok, 1 bolo, 1 talibon and one bangkow (spear).
These are all 'users'. By this, I mean that they were obviously working blades, not some fancy display weapon. They all have a few knicks and a some corrosion marks on the blades. I have noticed that the full size swords all have certain similar features. All of them have that scary sharp 'reach out and grab you' edge. Well, except for one kris that was being used as garden tool when I found it. (They figured the blade was already all bent up so it couldn't be worth anything. AAGGHH!)
All of the grips have a flaring or conical shape. All have some type of larger flare, hook or beak pommel, so it is almost impossible to lose your grip, even under heavy swinging and impact. The blades range from 18 to 32 inches in length, yet all them feel comfortable and balanced, IMHO, when in use.
About half of them have some type of cord wrap or raised braid on the hilt. This gives you a slightly pliable, solid grip, that could absorb some moisture without getting slippery and could be easily replaced.
They are all extremely solid weapons, that inspire confidence when you pick them up.
They all feel right at home when working Karenza and I have no doubt they were made for men who used them regularly.
Who else out there is lucky enough to own a real Filipino blade? What characteristics do you see in your blades? How did you find them? By 'real' I mean an older, obvious user. This does not include the blades with 'Souvenier of the Phillipines' carved in the sheath or hammered into the blade. Sorry.
These are all 'users'. By this, I mean that they were obviously working blades, not some fancy display weapon. They all have a few knicks and a some corrosion marks on the blades. I have noticed that the full size swords all have certain similar features. All of them have that scary sharp 'reach out and grab you' edge. Well, except for one kris that was being used as garden tool when I found it. (They figured the blade was already all bent up so it couldn't be worth anything. AAGGHH!)
All of the grips have a flaring or conical shape. All have some type of larger flare, hook or beak pommel, so it is almost impossible to lose your grip, even under heavy swinging and impact. The blades range from 18 to 32 inches in length, yet all them feel comfortable and balanced, IMHO, when in use.
About half of them have some type of cord wrap or raised braid on the hilt. This gives you a slightly pliable, solid grip, that could absorb some moisture without getting slippery and could be easily replaced.
They are all extremely solid weapons, that inspire confidence when you pick them up.
They all feel right at home when working Karenza and I have no doubt they were made for men who used them regularly.
Who else out there is lucky enough to own a real Filipino blade? What characteristics do you see in your blades? How did you find them? By 'real' I mean an older, obvious user. This does not include the blades with 'Souvenier of the Phillipines' carved in the sheath or hammered into the blade. Sorry.
