two philippine (?) swords for I.D., please!

tom hyle · 14th March 2005, 11:31 AM

In further comment, yes, the tip is broken off, but I wouldn't sweat it. This often happens to needly tips. If you do want to fix it, be advised that both these swords are probably differentially hardened, with hard steel in only a narrow strip along the cutting edge. Both the butt cap and (especially) the top ferule are nice features on the Luzon piece; by no means always seen; are they silver? They look different from the bottom ferule, which looks like brass? Very good chance also that both swords are folded steel. Inlaid edges are not likely on items of these types/vintage, though they were formerly known in the regions of course (I currently have a 19th talibon/garab/whatever they're called that seems to have a scarf-welded edge); solid steel blades with differential hardening seems to be the norm, with the occasional spring tempered piece interspersed.

14th March 2005, 11:31 AM	#1
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	In further comment, yes, the tip is broken off, but I wouldn't sweat it. This often happens to needly tips. If you do want to fix it, be advised that both these swords are probably differentially hardened, with hard steel in only a narrow strip along the cutting edge. Both the butt cap and (especially) the top ferule are nice features on the Luzon piece; by no means always seen; are they silver? They look different from the bottom ferule, which looks like brass? Very good chance also that both swords are folded steel. Inlaid edges are not likely on items of these types/vintage, though they were formerly known in the regions of course (I currently have a 19th talibon/garab/whatever they're called that seems to have a scarf-welded edge); solid steel blades with differential hardening seems to be the norm, with the occasional spring tempered piece interspersed.