For those of you with an interest in Taiwan Aboriginal stuff

[KuKulzA28]

Originally Posted by PUFF

I also obtain my larow(s) from an Atayal smith in Tong-Men.
But your pieces are far more impressive with woven thing on handle.

And, yes, finding the place needs a bit of work.

The Tong-men ones are decent, but are not as good quality. Maybe they will make high quality ones for certain people or on special order? The one I got from Tong-men doesn't even compare to the laraw I got more recently. I wonder if other tribes also have 'unknown' blacksmiths who make them blades privately. My guess is the Paiwan and Amis who still have larger populations might have them. They have the straighter blades.

Like these:

Originally Posted by fearn

Me jealous? No way

Two questions, though. One is whether that hollow handle is welded shut or not. It may sound like a goofy question, but does it ring like a bell when you hit it? I have one of those cheap Cold Steel Bushman knives that has a hollow handle, and it actually makes a decent cowbell.

The hollow handle's seam disappears past the rattan wrapping so I think it does get welding further towards the blade, but at the every butt end the seam can be seen. It does ring a bit like a bell. Hope that helps.