Filipino fighting blade

kai · 13th January 2007, 10:42 PM

This Balaraw Mahaba (aka Itak) comes from Luzon and is almost 20" long. I obtained it together with a 19th century piece in the U.S. and guess that this is also a bringback of a Spanish-American/Moro war veteran dating late 19th or possibly early 20th century. I have left it as received since the well-tempered steel blade, carabao horn hilt, and especially the brass fittings show very nice patina (the pics have a blueish hue).

This is a very well balanced fighting blade, especially for Arnis or Escrima practioners. It feels very much alive and despite its momentum does great with counter-offensive moves. Actually, I like the feel of this piece better than genuine Barongs I've handled. However, I'm not practising any FMA from Luzon and it's also beyond the scope of my collection. Since I have my eyes on another piece (edit: make that 2 thanks to another forumite...

), I'm hoping to find a good home for it.

Length: 19.4" (49.2 cm)
Blade length: 13.15" (33.4 cm)
Blade max. width: 1.81" (4.6 cm)
Blade max. thickness: 5/16" (8 mm)
Hilt: 6.3" (16 cm)

I'm asking $150 for this rare piece. I'm sure this will appreciate nicely since I've seen only a few of these and most seem to be younger WW2 souvenirs. If you wish, I can polish the blade and/or give it a slight acid etch to bring out any lamination, temper lines, etc.

Regards,
Kai

kai · 16th January 2007, 09:31 PM

BTW, weight is 598 grams.

I found out that international registered shipping is a bit less: $19.-
$125 + $ 19 shipping = $144.-
(Please contact me for other shipping options or lesser fees within Europe.)

kai · 24th February 2007, 07:24 PM

Still available...

kai · 21st July 2007, 01:34 AM

Any offers?

Regards,
Kai

kai · 2nd April 2017, 12:40 AM

Traded ages ago - sorry for not updating earlier...

Regards,
Kai

13th January 2007, 10:42 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Filipino fighting blade This Balaraw Mahaba (aka Itak) comes from Luzon and is almost 20" long. I obtained it together with a 19th century piece in the U.S. and guess that this is also a bringback of a Spanish-American/Moro war veteran dating late 19th or possibly early 20th century. I have left it as received since the well-tempered steel blade, carabao horn hilt, and especially the brass fittings show very nice patina (the pics have a blueish hue). This is a very well balanced fighting blade, especially for Arnis or Escrima practioners. It feels very much alive and despite its momentum does great with counter-offensive moves. Actually, I like the feel of this piece better than genuine Barongs I've handled. However, I'm not practising any FMA from Luzon and it's also beyond the scope of my collection. Since I have my eyes on another piece (edit: make that 2 thanks to another forumite... ), I'm hoping to find a good home for it. Length: 19.4" (49.2 cm) Blade length: 13.15" (33.4 cm) Blade max. width: 1.81" (4.6 cm) Blade max. thickness: 5/16" (8 mm) Hilt: 6.3" (16 cm) I'm asking $150 for this rare piece. I'm sure this will appreciate nicely since I've seen only a few of these and most seem to be younger WW2 souvenirs. If you wish, I can polish the blade and/or give it a slight acid etch to bring out any lamination, temper lines, etc. Regards, Kai Attached Images

24th February 2007, 07:24 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Back to the top Still available...

21st July 2007, 01:34 AM	#4
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	BTTT Any offers? Regards, Kai

16th January 2007, 09:31 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	BTW, weight is 598 grams. I found out that international registered shipping is a bit less: $19.- $125 + $ 19 shipping = $144.- (Please contact me for other shipping options or lesser fees within Europe.)

2nd April 2017, 12:40 AM	#5
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Traded ages ago - sorry for not updating earlier... Regards, Kai