Anyone here win this one[Talibong/Garab]?

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Dimasalang

Wow what a price! Nice piece also. Do you guys think it commanded so much because it was a left hand version?

Lookin at that price, now I don't feel so bad about buying this one.

Thought I almost paid to much, but not near $800.

Your one is also very very nice!

I don't think that it have to do something with that it is a left hand version (the one in up reach nearly the same price) but that good old talibon/garab are sought after and that the shown examples (incl. yours) are just beautiful swords.

Here another beautiful example which was sold from a german web site and was not cheap as well.

I think that you and I am just have had good luck to get our ones as bargain.

Regards,

Detlef

[Dimasalang]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Your one is also very very nice!

I don't think that it have to do something with that it is a left hand version (the one in up reach nearly the same price) but that good old talibon/garab are sought after and that the shown examples (incl. yours) are just beautiful swords.

Here another beautiful example which was sold from a german web site and was not cheap as well.

I think that you and I am just have had good luck to get our ones as bargain.

Regards,

Detlef

Thanks. I mentioned before, it is nice to see these Visayan weapons finally getting some recognition, as I do believe the originals are more rare than Moro weapons, and are crafted just as well. BUT, I just wished I got in to this collecting game sooner, as I feel I don't have enough fine examples, and now the prices are going through the roof.


I don't think I ever looked in to what the shape of the handle represents. Is it a bulb? Now I am curious. I just have to add also, that when I grasp mine in my hand, it actually feels awkward, since the pointed downward edge of the wooden handle pokes against the meat of my thumb on my palm. The whole ergonomics of the sword and the canted edge would make you think there was a lot of thought that gone in to this sword to make it as natural feeling as possible. But that very pointy wooden handle against my palm...Can't image how they could fight like that with it being in the way. It does feel unnatural...or am I missing something here?

[VANDOO]

JUDGING FROM THE SHAPE OF THE HANDLES AND ESPECIALLY THE SCABBARD TIP THESE MUST COME FROM THE SAME REGION OR TRIBE. WHICH ISLAND DO YOU GUYS THINK THEY COME FROM? I WILL MAKE A WILD GUESS SAMAR OR POSSIBLY CEBU AREA.

[migueldiaz]

in the 'hidden cities' series in history channel asia, the host [anthony morse] explains why the right-handed iban headhunter has to be equipped with a right-side beveled chisel-ground sword -- in this first screen capture, morse was saying:

"… [the Iban's (Borneo) sword] is designed to separate, or cut off the head. Now you can't really see it on the camera, but this particular blade, there is a slight curvature on the top or outer part. And on the back side, it's complete flat. This sword was designed specifically for a warrior who is right-handed …"

[migueldiaz]

"… Now let's say I was a right-handed warrior, if I were coming to cut off his head, as I approach the neck, because of the curve in the outer side of the blade, as soon as I make contact, it would kind of swipe across, and then go upwards, ensuring a very clean cut."

[migueldiaz]

"Now if I were to use the same blade as a left-hander, what would happen is I would cut. And instead of going upward, the blade would actually go downwards. And then that would just not be good. Because then you would have a head that's still semi-attached to the body. And that would just not cut it, for building your reputation as a fierce headhunter."

[migueldiaz]

Click here to watch that short video.

So what do you guys think? Does Morse make sense, and was there something written or reported before, about the logic being explained by Morse? Thanks.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Dimasalang

Thanks. I mentioned before, it is nice to see these Visayan weapons finally getting some recognition, as I do believe the originals are more rare than Moro weapons, and are crafted just as well. BUT, I just wished I got in to this collecting game sooner, as I feel I don't have enough fine examples, and now the prices are going through the roof.

Yes, you are write what think and feel as well!

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Dimasalang

I don't think I ever looked in to what the shape of the handle represents. Is it a bulb? Now I am curious. I just have to add also, that when I grasp mine in my hand, it actually feels awkward, since the pointed downward edge of the wooden handle pokes against the meat of my thumb on my palm. The whole ergonomics of the sword and the canted edge would make you think there was a lot of thought that gone in to this sword to make it as natural feeling as possible. But that very pointy wooden handle against my palm...Can't image how they could fight like that with it being in the way. It does feel unnatural...or am I missing something here?

It is the same what I have when I take my one in the hand. Are our hands maybe to big?

[Dimasalang]

Originally Posted by Sajen

It is the same what I have when I take my one in the hand. Are our hands maybe to big?

Possibly our hands are to big. They say the average height of a male native of the Philippines in the early 1900s was 5'3". I'm 5'8. Maybe Ill have my wife try it out, shes 5'2", see how well it fits in her hand.