Africans or dayak bronze hilted swords ?

Ian · 8th December 2023, 12:41 PM

Hi Jeff,

The blade on the Bagobo hilted sword could be of T'boli manufacture. The T'boli blades are high quality and sought after. The Bagobo did use blades acquired from the T'boli because of their quality. This particular blade may have a heat quenched edge. Hard to tell without cleaning and etching.

Marius66 · 8th December 2023, 08:34 PM

Good evening,
I cleaned the blades and hilts ,
Interesting in the bagobo model without guard, we now can see a part of the wood hilt under the brass.
For the blades, both really sharps, I cut myself twice while cleaning them 😁
I used vinegar , it darkened the blades but it don't seems there is a pattern,
Maybe is it useful to sand the blades and use a better etchant ?

Marius66 · 8th December 2023, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Jeff,

The blade on the Bagobo hilted sword could be of T'boli manufacture. The T'boli blades are high quality and sought after. The Bagobo did use blades acquired from the T'boli because of their quality. This particular blade may have a heat quenched edge. Hard to tell without cleaning and etching.

There is a deep black side and a ''brighter''-""metallic'' on the sharp edge side of the blade without guard.
Is that what you call a '' heat quenched edge'' ?

Kind regards

Ian · 9th December 2023, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marius66

There is a deep black side and a ''brighter''-""metallic'' on the sharp edge side of the blade without guard.
Is that what you call a '' heat quenched edge'' ?

Kind regards

It could be. Your latest pictures seem to show differential hardening but etching would likely bring it out better. Heat and then quenching with oil or water will create a different crystalline structure and harder edge, which shows as a line along the edge that is a different color from the rest of the blade.

wildwolberine · 21st May 2024, 11:59 PM

I’m the new owner of this nice-looking tok/kafilan. Looks to have some age? The scabbard retains some of the woven binding and the grass? component. Whatever ornaments were originally present on the hilt appear to be missing. Seller photos, will post this beauty when it arrives!

Marbel · 23rd May 2024, 03:16 AM

Wildwolberine,

That’s a nice and very old Tboli kefilan. Terrific old scabbard as well, which I would identify as Blaan. Nice pick up and thanks for sharing.

Best,
Craig

Ian · 23rd May 2024, 04:05 PM

Hi WW,

Nice old example. I agree with Craig, this one could well be B'laan, the people "over the hill" from the T'boli.

BTW, the blades on these swords are excellent—they are tough and hold a sharp edge very well.

8th December 2023, 08:34 PM	#2
Marius66 Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 131	Good evening, I cleaned the blades and hilts , Interesting in the bagobo model without guard, we now can see a part of the wood hilt under the brass. For the blades, both really sharps, I cut myself twice while cleaning them 😁 I used vinegar , it darkened the blades but it don't seems there is a pattern, Maybe is it useful to sand the blades and use a better etchant ? Attached Images

21st May 2024, 11:59 PM	#5
wildwolberine Member Join Date: May 2023 Location: San Antonio Posts: 120	New Tboli tok/kafilan I’m the new owner of this nice-looking tok/kafilan. Looks to have some age? The scabbard retains some of the woven binding and the grass? component. Whatever ornaments were originally present on the hilt appear to be missing. Seller photos, will post this beauty when it arrives! Attached Images

23rd May 2024, 03:16 AM	#6
Marbel Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 67	Tboli kefilan Wildwolberine, That’s a nice and very old Tboli kefilan. Terrific old scabbard as well, which I would identify as Blaan. Nice pick up and thanks for sharing. Best, Craig

8th December 2023, 12:41 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,360	Hi Jeff, The blade on the Bagobo hilted sword could be of T'boli manufacture. The T'boli blades are high quality and sought after. The Bagobo did use blades acquired from the T'boli because of their quality. This particular blade may have a heat quenched edge. Hard to tell without cleaning and etching.

23rd May 2024, 04:05 PM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,360	Hi WW, Nice old example. I agree with Craig, this one could well be B'laan, the people "over the hill" from the T'boli. BTW, the blades on these swords are excellent—they are tough and hold a sharp edge very well.