Talibong, Real Or Tourist

harimauhk · 23rd March 2011, 05:01 AM

I have two similar-sized talibongs from WWII with kamagong handles and scabbards. BTW, the filemarking on the tang is found throughout the Philippines and is believed to be an ancient symbol that is put on blades to protect their owners. As with many Visayan blades, I believe talibongs are for general use as well as for use as weapons.

Robert · 23rd March 2011, 05:18 AM

Tom, It actually does have a scarf welded edge. I guess it does not show too clearly in the pictures. It is a very well made blade.

Harimauhk, Do yours have the file work on the blade like this one?

Robert

harimauhk · 23rd March 2011, 05:21 AM

Hi Robert,

I have mine in storage--I'd have to check.

Pandays throughout the Philippines were taught to put similar markings on their blades, and many continue to do so without really knowing why. I've even seen them on balisongs! I thought they were just maker's marks until I came across a source that said they were talismanic. That might explain why similar markings are found on blades from completely different areas.

Robert · 23rd March 2011, 05:39 AM

Yes, I too have seen this type of markings on quite a few Philippine edged weapons before, but this is the first talibong that I have seen marked in this way.

23rd March 2011, 05:01 AM	#1
harimauhk Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 88	I have two similar-sized talibongs from WWII with kamagong handles and scabbards. BTW, the filemarking on the tang is found throughout the Philippines and is believed to be an ancient symbol that is put on blades to protect their owners. As with many Visayan blades, I believe talibongs are for general use as well as for use as weapons.

23rd March 2011, 05:18 AM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Tom, It actually does have a scarf welded edge. I guess it does not show too clearly in the pictures. It is a very well made blade. Harimauhk, Do yours have the file work on the blade like this one? Robert

23rd March 2011, 05:21 AM	#3
harimauhk Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 88	Hi Robert, I have mine in storage--I'd have to check. Pandays throughout the Philippines were taught to put similar markings on their blades, and many continue to do so without really knowing why. I've even seen them on balisongs! I thought they were just maker's marks until I came across a source that said they were talismanic. That might explain why similar markings are found on blades from completely different areas.

23rd March 2011, 05:39 AM	#4
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Yes, I too have seen this type of markings on quite a few Philippine edged weapons before, but this is the first talibong that I have seen marked in this way.