Heiho that's been around

[Pitt1999]

I have been looking for one of these weapons for a long time, they don't seem to come up for sale very often. This example exhibits some further modification beyond how the Japanese modified the original klewangs these were made from. The sheath also has locations carved into the leather that hopefully were not added later in an attempt to increase it's value.

From the provided pictures it seems as if the blade was shortened about an inch and a half assuming the blade was originally shortened to closely fit the sheath, and was given a clip point. Funnily enough this modification makes this piece more closely resemble the original full length klewang. I assume this was done by the same serviceman that carved the sheath which on one side is inscribed with "Guadalcanal" and on the opposite side "Bouganville ///////// Fiji". I guess the fellow that carried this wasn't aware of how "Bougainville" was actually spelled.

I can't make out a maker's mark in any of the photos so I cannot say if the original sword was a Dutch made or American made example. The grip scales appear to be the black composite type which I have most commonly seen on the American made klewangs.

[Rick]

How long is the blade on your modified example?

[Pitt1999]

The description says it has a 16 inch blade.

[Rick]

I wonder if it is a Japanese modification. Did someone shorten the blade by 8 inches along with the scabbard and re-attach the throat. Are there any photos available of a standard Japanese captured modified hembrug Klewang?

[David]

Originally Posted by Pitt1999

The description says it has a 16 inch blade.

Where was this description posted? Is this item currently for sale?

[Ian]

A similar example but with the clip point removed. The scabbard treatment is similar too. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...4&postcount=18

[Pitt1999]

Originally Posted by David

Where was this description posted? Is this item currently for sale?

My apologies, I forgot to say in my intro that I have purchased this item. It has not been shipped to me however. The Japanese initially shortened the standard issue klewangs and removed the bulk of the guard to make them easier to use as machetes. What I think happened is that a U.S. serviceman picked up one of these Japanese modified klewangs and continued to modify it further by grinding in a clip point. Like I said in my thread opener this coincidentally makes it more closely represent the original full length klewang it was modified from in the first place before it was altered by the Japanese.