Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

KuKulzA28 · 29th September 2009, 09:39 PM

I've heard the golok bengkulu, when used, is only effective at slashes thanks to its extreme curve. It is, however, VERY good at making drawn saber-cuts thanks to its shape. The same idea can be said about the Chinese pian-dao which had been developed to be a slashing sword for the Tiger skirmishers.

My guess is that it isn't the main weapon if it is so small, since generating powerful slashes at such a close range, while absolutely possible, is a lot slower than a quick stabs from a pedang or pisau. However I wouldn't rule it out because remember, the barong was not used as a stabber, but was definitely a close-in cleaver and ranged from around 10-24" (~25-61cm) blade length. I still stands today as a very effective big blade / shortsword in close-quarters combat. Perhaps due to the fighting style and conditions, the small 'Golok' did find use and these "with the very short, heavily curved blades" were used as close-in slashers to do wicked damage. Also remember, the Chilean corvo was used to lob off enemy heads... and these are hook-shaped combat knives, not long knives nor shortswords.

I don't know the Indonesian world of weapons that well, nor any field of weaponry truthfully...

but this is what I think based on what I know.

29th September 2009, 09:39 PM	#7
KuKulzA28 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: between work and sleep Posts: 731	I've heard the golok bengkulu, when used, is only effective at slashes thanks to its extreme curve. It is, however, VERY good at making drawn saber-cuts thanks to its shape. The same idea can be said about the Chinese pian-dao which had been developed to be a slashing sword for the Tiger skirmishers. My guess is that it isn't the main weapon if it is so small, since generating powerful slashes at such a close range, while absolutely possible, is a lot slower than a quick stabs from a pedang or pisau. However I wouldn't rule it out because remember, the barong was not used as a stabber, but was definitely a close-in cleaver and ranged from around 10-24" (~25-61cm) blade length. I still stands today as a very effective big blade / shortsword in close-quarters combat. Perhaps due to the fighting style and conditions, the small 'Golok' did find use and these "with the very short, heavily curved blades" were used as close-in slashers to do wicked damage. Also remember, the Chilean corvo was used to lob off enemy heads... and these are hook-shaped combat knives, not long knives nor shortswords. I don't know the Indonesian world of weapons that well, nor any field of weaponry truthfully... but this is what I think based on what I know.