[carlitobrigante]

Thanks for the comments Battara, i really appreciate your input

I gave it a quick warm vinegar etch, the results of which are shown in the above images. I will do another vinegar etch to improve it further but i doubt i'll have the confidence to do a more aggressive acid etc for fear of me spoling the blade in my inexperienced attempt.

I am aware Catos book has been long overtaken by the accumulated knowledge from the good folks of this forum, but was kind of hoping something more up to date and substantial was out there or was in the works. Even Cato's book is impossible to find for a newbie.

This is obviously a fighting Barong despite the unusual brass ornamentation. In your opinion is this likely a Barong that belonged to a Datu, or is it a more common barong carried by a moro tribesman that just happens to be more ornate than typical. Did a Datu have 'ceremonial' Barongs not used for combat, or were even the beautiful ornate examples we see get carried into battle?

What do we know of the shandigan technique, its efficiency, place of origin etc etc. And does anyone have any pictures of the earliest Barongs that have provenence, or give any thoughts on when do we first see evidence of this form of blade in the Philippines?

Sorry for the barrage of so many questions! Any pointers or suggested reading would be much appreciated.