vintage panabas for comment

[kino]

Originally Posted by xasterix

One of my BangsaMoro friends- a former member of this forum, and I believe the foremost expert on PH traditional blades- has expressed doubts regarding the accuracy of Cato's information. The Moros would not readily give up information on their culture or weaponry; in effect, Mr Cato may very well have been told tall tales. I agree some panabas were built for transport, but not as battlefield weapons; rather, as intimidation tools, a sign of potency of a ranking Moro chieftain that would be transported and displayed along with his retinue of best warriors. My evidence for this are the junggayan-style barungs- yes, they were sharp and had functional scabbards, but they aren't the go-to weapons during battle; they served better as status indicator and intimidation tool. Same goes for other BangsaMoro weapons with elaborate designs- the reason for their preservation was that they were never really in the fray.

Xasterix, what are your BangsaMoro friends opinions on these type of Panabas’.
Would these type be considered battlefield weapons.
They’re nice to look at, I would like to have one but in my opinion not as intimidating as the other BangsaMoro edged weapons.

[Rick]

I think this one has seen some sort of excitement; the edge is ragged as if it was used to attack wire, and it sports a bullet wound at the wide end where the dark spot is.
The blade is quite thick where it terminates at the handle..

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Rick

I think this one has seen some sort of excitement; the edge is ragged as if it was used to attack wire, and it sports a bullet wound at the wide end where the dark spot is.
The blade is quite thick where it terminates at the handle..

I agree, that one looks like it's been through a lot.

In the absence of my main weapon, I would grab anything with an edge within my immediate vicinity.

Someone must have used this thing as a never-say-die last hurrah

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by kino

Xasterix, what are your BangsaMoro friends opinions on these type of Panabas’.
Would these type be considered battlefield weapons.
They’re nice to look at, I would like to have one but in my opinion not as intimidating as the other BangsaMoro edged weapons.

Hi sir, that one is used for gardening.

Although as a Tausug friend said... It's still an object of opportunity with an edge...

[kino]

Originally Posted by xasterix

Hi sir, that one is used for gardening.

Although as a Tausug friend said... It's still an object of opportunity with an edge...

Thanks.
I would not have ever thought of that. Some of these are constructed elaborately. Too nice just for field work. Perhaps it's a testament to the Pandays skill.

But it makes a forminable tool. Vines, twigs and branches would be shaking like a leaf in its presence

[Spunjer]

nah, for buyo (betel nut), brah, lol. must've been owned by a high ranking datu

[kino]

Originally Posted by Spunjer

nah, for buyo (betel nut), brah, lol. must've been owned by a high ranking datu

I totally agree.

[mross]

I'm in the camp that these are primarily status symbols, whatever they are used for. They definitely would not be my first choice for a weapon, but in a pinch they'll do.