Twistcore In An Unexpected Place

CharlesS · 10th July 2022, 12:15 PM

There are a variety of Indonesian shortswords/machetes known as 'goloks', but this one really surprised me. Most examples have a heavy, thick, pamor steel blade, with later ones having homogenous steel blades.
This example, from West Java, is the first I have seen with a twistcore blade. The blade is exceptionally thick, heavy, and robust. The twistcore pattern is quite broad and well-defined, with the blade's edge showing laminations and tempering.
At first glance, it would appear that the forging is rather sloppily done with several forging flaws, but I wonder if it isn't also worth remembering that in this region of blade making metal inserts into the blade were often talismanic, so I can't help but wonder if the openings are not somewhat intentional. In the rest of the blade it appears the forger was quite competent, so it's likely he could have done better if he desired.
Dimensions: 22.25in./56.5cm. overall, with the blade length being 15in./38cm. and the blade width is 1.75in./4.5cm. at its widest point.

Battara · 12th July 2022, 01:25 AM

Normally I don't go for these, but this I like, especially the twist core!

naturalist · 12th July 2022, 03:24 PM

Thank you so much for showing a really nice specimen..
I wish i could find one, but most likely many of the good-quality old goloks are no longer around.
Mine most of it is peasant/common tools

Not sure, but most likely the handle is makara, carving style maybe Rajagaluh? Rajagaluh used to be part of Pajajaran then Cirebon. Blade possibly Sumedang (Cikeruh? Cipacing?)
Batu lapak, the one that is very close to the handle (half circle) is heavily sought by tosan aji lovers. The twisted pattern maybe unthuk banyu? A rare pattern in golok. It is my first time seeing it.

I really wish it is mine

Battara · 13th July 2022, 03:33 AM

My understanding is that this is a maker, but if you have other information to the contrary, I would love to see it.

10th July 2022, 12:15 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Twistcore In An Unexpected Place There are a variety of Indonesian shortswords/machetes known as 'goloks', but this one really surprised me. Most examples have a heavy, thick, pamor steel blade, with later ones having homogenous steel blades. This example, from West Java, is the first I have seen with a twistcore blade. The blade is exceptionally thick, heavy, and robust. The twistcore pattern is quite broad and well-defined, with the blade's edge showing laminations and tempering. At first glance, it would appear that the forging is rather sloppily done with several forging flaws, but I wonder if it isn't also worth remembering that in this region of blade making metal inserts into the blade were often talismanic, so I can't help but wonder if the openings are not somewhat intentional. In the rest of the blade it appears the forger was quite competent, so it's likely he could have done better if he desired. Dimensions: 22.25in./56.5cm. overall, with the blade length being 15in./38cm. and the blade width is 1.75in./4.5cm. at its widest point. Attached Images Last edited by CharlesS; 10th July 2022 at 12:17 PM. Reason: add pics

12th July 2022, 01:25 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Normally I don't go for these, but this I like, especially the twist core!

12th July 2022, 03:24 PM	#3
naturalist Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 64	Thank you so much for showing a really nice specimen.. I wish i could find one, but most likely many of the good-quality old goloks are no longer around. Mine most of it is peasant/common tools Not sure, but most likely the handle is makara, carving style maybe Rajagaluh? Rajagaluh used to be part of Pajajaran then Cirebon. Blade possibly Sumedang (Cikeruh? Cipacing?) Batu lapak, the one that is very close to the handle (half circle) is heavily sought by tosan aji lovers. The twisted pattern maybe unthuk banyu? A rare pattern in golok. It is my first time seeing it. I really wish it is mine

13th July 2022, 03:33 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	My understanding is that this is a maker, but if you have other information to the contrary, I would love to see it.