Luzon bolo

[JeffS]

Someone off-forum suggested it is likely Pampanga.

[Ian]

Hi Jeff,

The Province of Pampanga is immediately to the south of Pangasinan, and there are Ilokano craftsmen in Pampanga also. Is your informant saying that this is a Kapangan knife or an Ilokano knife made in Pampanga? This has been a matter of some debate among Filipino knife enthusiasts in regard to several blade styles. It depends who you talk to. The manner of peining the tang is similar to some knives from Pampanga, but I have what I think are Ilokano knives with similar attachments too.

The black leather sheath with brass fittings, however, looks Ilokano to me and I think would be very unusual for Pampanga.

However, we are talking about fine details in terms of the origin of your knife. Ilokanos and Kapangans intermingle in Central Luzon, and that is the overall area from which this knife likely came.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Jeff,

The Province of Pampanga is immediately to the south of Pangasinan, and there are Ilokano craftsmen in Pampanga also. Is your informant saying that this is a Kapangan knife or an Ilokano knife made in Pampanga? This has been a matter of some debate among Filipino knife enthusiasts in regard to several blade styles. It depends who you talk to. The manner of peining the tang is similar to some knives from Pampanga, but I have what I think are Ilokano knives with similar attachments too.

The black leather sheath with brass fittings, however, looks Ilokano to me and I think would be very unusual for Pampanga.

However, we are talking about fine details in terms of the origin of your knife. Ilokanos and Kapangans intermingle in Central Luzon, and that is the overall area from which this knife likely came.

You're absolutely right regarding the interplay. I would think there's a good chance it's indeed pampanga because of the threaded+ peen combo. The scabbard is tricky, but the Apalit craftsmen have been known to copy scabbards from other areas.