My gunong collection and some thoughts

[Robert]

Great little family of gunongs you have put together Detlef, but it seems to me that one is missing though. Didn't you have one with an ivory hilt that Jose did some restoration work on? Even being rather on the large size I still like the proportions and finish of your latest find. Quite a few of the larger ones that I have seen seem to be exaggerated in their features (bulky with harsh angles) while this one stays true to form. If we ever get a day with decent lighting I will post a photo or two of my very limited collection of gunongs to add to this thread. Thank you for sharing these with us.

Best,
Robert

[Spunjer]

there's something about gunongs: they are so simple, yet so elegant. nice set you got there, Detlef! on the latest member of your family, i really love the lamination pattern on that one! very, very controlled! if you don't mind me asking, what did you use as an etchant for it? one of this days, i will try to etch my gunongs just to see if they're laminated or not. i guess i just take them for granted which i shouldn't...

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Spunjer

there's something about gunongs: they are so simple, yet so elegant. nice set you got there, Detlef! on the latest member of your family, i really love the lamination pattern on that one! very, very controlled! if you don't mind me asking, what did you use as an etchant for it? one of this days, i will try to etch my gunongs just to see if they're laminated or not. i guess i just take them for granted which i shouldn't...

Thank you Ron,

and I agree with you, it's a very controlled lamination, never thought to find it by this gunong. I've used a mixture from vinegar concentrate and citric acid mixed with water (20/80 %). Don't worry, I think that minimum 50% of all gunong blades are laminated.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Here the pictures of the restored gunong from this thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=gunong

Jose have done a remarkable job. The blade isn't laminated.

[kronckew]

minor point: the grip is on upside down. other than that, good job.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kronckew

minor point: the grip is on upside down. other than that, good job.

My first thought as well, good observation. But the blade fit only in this position inside the scabbard. And have a look to the sheathed knife, this is the way they look when inside scabbard. Maybe Jose can add his thoughts about this.

Regards,
Detlef

[Battara]

Not sure why the blade was made "upside down" but this is what is it. The other unusual aspect is the way the scabbard was made. The okir style and the manner of execution do not seem to me to be as "professional" as other examples. I wonder if the artisan was Lumad or part Lumad, even though the motifs are Moro (perhaps Maguindanao).

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Robert

Great little family of gunongs you have put together Detlef, but it seems to me that one is missing though. Didn't you have one with an ivory hilt that Jose did some restoration work on? Even being rather on the large size I still like the proportions and finish of your latest find. Quite a few of the larger ones that I have seen seem to be exaggerated in their features (bulky with harsh angles) while this one stays true to form. If we ever get a day with decent lighting I will post a photo or two of my very limited collection of gunongs to add to this thread. Thank you for sharing these with us.

Best,
Robert

Hello Robert,

thank you and yes, one is still by Jose. And you are correct, the "new" one is surely worked for use and I would place it around 1930. It's a real fighter.
Curious to see your collection of gunongs.

Regards,
Detlef