Pattern Welding Kampilan and Kris

kai · 11th July 2021, 02:11 PM

Hello Jose,

Quote:

It seems so far that kampilans with hair are ceremonial.

I would agree them being status pieces. Considering kampilans with hair being the overwhelming majority among antique examples, they very likely were put to other uses, too (i.e. well beyond purely ceremonial function).

Regards,
Kai

kai · 11th July 2021, 02:22 PM

Hello Ira,

That's a really nice 19th century kampilan! (Let me know whenever you decide to part with it, please.

)

Are you sure the blade is "only" 1/4 inch thick? (Looks like it might be thicker...)

The blade most likely would benefit from a gentle polish and etch. Certainly laminated with hardened edge; many exhibit nice laminations/patterns, too.

Regards,
Kai

kai · 11th July 2021, 02:31 PM

Hello Ira,

IMHO, this Moro kris (blade and hilt) originates from the early 20th century.

While 20" is really short, the blade sure looks Maguindanao (as does the scabbard). The pommel (it certainly deserves the missing silver band to be replaced) might be pointing to the upper Cota Bato area.

Regards,
Kai

Battara · 12th July 2021, 01:15 AM

Kai one correction - I have seen many that do not have hair holes, in fact, I would say there are more without hair holes than with.

You do make a good point though that those ceremonial/status kampilans are still usable in practical use (and some have been).

Ian · 12th July 2021, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Kai one correction - I have seen many that do not have hair holes, in fact, I would say there are more without hair holes than with.

You do make a good point though that those ceremonial/status kampilans are still usable in practical use (and some have been).

Agree with battara. Most kampilan did not have holes for (horse) hair plugs. Perhaps some of the more ceremonial/decorative variety with plugs (+/- hair) have survived the test of time better and found their way into current collections. Looking at pictures of caches of weapons seized by U.S. forces after battles or confiscated by proclamation show most kampilan lacked hair plugs.

David · 12th July 2021, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Ira,

IMHO, this Moro kris (blade and hilt) originates from the early 20th century.

While 20" is really short, the blade sure looks Maguindanao (as does the scabbard).

I'm not sure that 20" is really short for this era. I don't own this one anymore, but the blade here was only 18". I have seen a fair number of keris from around the turn to the 20th century that also have blades in the range of 20".

http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...highlight=Kris

11th July 2021, 02:22 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	back to the pieces Hello Ira, That's a really nice 19th century kampilan! (Let me know whenever you decide to part with it, please. ) Are you sure the blade is "only" 1/4 inch thick? (Looks like it might be thicker...) The blade most likely would benefit from a gentle polish and etch. Certainly laminated with hardened edge; many exhibit nice laminations/patterns, too. Regards, Kai

11th July 2021, 02:31 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Ira, IMHO, this Moro kris (blade and hilt) originates from the early 20th century. While 20" is really short, the blade sure looks Maguindanao (as does the scabbard). The pommel (it certainly deserves the missing silver band to be replaced) might be pointing to the upper Cota Bato area. Regards, Kai

12th July 2021, 01:15 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,270	Kai one correction - I have seen many that do not have hair holes, in fact, I would say there are more without hair holes than with. You do make a good point though that those ceremonial/status kampilans are still usable in practical use (and some have been).