Twistcore Padsumbalin?

[kai]

I do see the limited irregularities which (IMHO) seem to have been introduced inadvertantly during the forging process

I should rephrase my comment above: The single lamination layer with the row of blotches shows enough regularity (as well as plenty of cold shuts not visible throughout the other layers) to assume that it was introduced on purpose by the bladesmith. However, it doesn't appear to be such a strikingly visible pattern that I'd be convinced that this was intended to be a showy lamination pattern. If anything it bears limited semblance with the blotchy pamor seen in some barung; however, the latter is usually pretty much irregular.

Regards,
Kai

[Spunjer]

i've enclosed close ups of the handle wrap. based on the grime build up, it looks like it's been there for awhile. it feels sturdy as it is, but then again, there could be metal bands underneath the twine. also, it's relatively light, weighing at two pounds. the ricasso is 1/4"...
the lamination is definitely an enigma. i'm with you Dave, in that i've never seen this pattern before. i think it's too complex to be accidental, my 2 cents anyway..

[CharlesS]

Ron,

Another gorgeous blade! I am wondering though if both the hilt and cording is not later to the blade, though not necessarily anything like new.

The quality of the blade just doesn't match up to the rest. I would expect a much more delicately carved hilt and a better stabilizing ferrule/s than cording. I wonder if the blade was simply remounted at a later date, perhaps early to mid 20th century. Just a thought...surely we will never know.

Is the unusual cording lacquered??...looks to be in the pics.

[Ian]

Ron:

This blade looks like a typical piled rod construction with the central strip having an odd pattern. Whether that pattern was intentional or accidental is hard to say and there is no way of knowing where that particular segment may have come from. It could have been recycled from another blade. The sharpened edges do not seem to have been hardened or inserted, so the blade looks like a fairly straight forward construction made from several rods or strips forged together.

The previous etch certainly looks like a ferric chloride effect. The only reason for re-etching it IMO would be if you plan to use a different etchant, but I doubt that it would display anything new.

Very nice example of a padsumbalin panabas. I agree with Rick about the hemp wrap--would like to see something sturdier to keep the handle attached to the blade during use. Two pounds is on the light side for a panabas. How long is the blade?

Regards,

Ian

[Rick]

Another thought; it could be pinned through both blade and handle beneath the wrap .

[Spunjer]

Charles, the wrap is not lacquered. i reckon hand oil from all the years?
Ian, good point on the remnant from another blade. the simplicity of this particular padsumbalin would make sense, considering how everything was put together using the most basic materials. regarding the weight, that's about right. the other padsumbalins i have weighs about the same. on the other hand, i have a couple of five pounders which is typical of the type A panabas (the ones associated with beheadings).
Rick, that would be pretty unique if it's pinned. i've only seen this once on a moro weapon: a gigantic kris brought back by Webb Hayes. it has a three inch wide blade.
i could honestly say that i would feel confident using this beast for test cutting. not only is it sharp, the blade is that secure...

[kino]

Nice Panabas. I like the busy pattern, the section of the Chain-like pattern slightly resembles the Chinese horse tooth pattern.

It could be that the union of blade and handle is original, perhaps (as Cato stated in his book), the owner spent all his money on the blade. Just a thought.

[Sajen]

Congrats for this nice find, it's indeed a very nice blade and a good panabas!
Still look for a panabas for my own collection, so when you not happy with it send it to me!

Regards,
Detlef