A Moro Kampillan With a Massive, Rare Hilt and Unique Twistcore Blade

CharlesS · 23rd April 2022, 06:13 PM

This lovely old Moro kampillan, with a rare and massive hilt and unique twistcore blade, nearly drove me to the edge of insanity trying to get it etched properly. As purchased, the pattern had an almost ghostly appearance, teasing me that it wanted to be seen, but nothing seemed to bring out the pattern. After numerous attempts at etching with a variety of different products, none successful, I finely looked to the wisdom of our resident specialist in metallurgy and blade forging, Philip Tom. Phil suggested I send it to him, and, indeed, he apparently had both the patience and the "magic" elixir that did the trick. He later told me it was the hardest etching job he may have ever had. The results show in the pics. Clearly, the forger was very talented. I think it is pure art in metal!

Bob A · 23rd April 2022, 07:13 PM

Beautiful and impressive sword!

Clearly, Philip Tom is a "resurrection man." Kudos.

carlos · 23rd April 2022, 09:28 PM

WOW

what a marvellous piece!!
This hilt is amazing!!! Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations!!!
Carlos

SanibelSwassa · 23rd April 2022, 09:51 PM

Such a fabulous piece… congratulations on the etch!!!

Philip · 23rd April 2022, 10:55 PM

This sword has a truly remarkable hilt for its type. Not only is the carving exceptional, but the form is a far cry from the typical "gatormouth" with open jaws. The aesthetics of the decoration is in face quite southern European in flavor, reminiscent of motifs on Spanish colonial furniture.

xasterix · 24th April 2022, 03:22 PM

Phenomenal piece, and great etch!

23rd April 2022, 06:13 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	A Moro Kampillan With a Massive, Rare Hilt and Unique Twistcore Blade This lovely old Moro kampillan, with a rare and massive hilt and unique twistcore blade, nearly drove me to the edge of insanity trying to get it etched properly. As purchased, the pattern had an almost ghostly appearance, teasing me that it wanted to be seen, but nothing seemed to bring out the pattern. After numerous attempts at etching with a variety of different products, none successful, I finely looked to the wisdom of our resident specialist in metallurgy and blade forging, Philip Tom. Phil suggested I send it to him, and, indeed, he apparently had both the patience and the "magic" elixir that did the trick. He later told me it was the hardest etching job he may have ever had. The results show in the pics. Clearly, the forger was very talented. I think it is pure art in metal! Attached Images

23rd April 2022, 07:13 PM	#2
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 427	Beautiful and impressive sword! Clearly, Philip Tom is a "resurrection man." Kudos.

23rd April 2022, 09:28 PM	#3
carlos Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 737	WOW what a marvellous piece!! This hilt is amazing!!! Thanks for sharing. Congratulations!!! Carlos

23rd April 2022, 09:51 PM	#4
SanibelSwassa Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Sanibel Florida Posts: 104	Such a fabulous piece… congratulations on the etch!!!

23rd April 2022, 10:55 PM	#5
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	This sword has a truly remarkable hilt for its type. Not only is the carving exceptional, but the form is a far cry from the typical "gatormouth" with open jaws. The aesthetics of the decoration is in face quite southern European in flavor, reminiscent of motifs on Spanish colonial furniture.

24th April 2022, 03:22 PM	#6
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 653	Phenomenal piece, and great etch!