My latest piece, a Moro? Kris.

David R · 13th November 2018, 11:40 AM

After a few years of chasing after one of these, I finally got one. Ideas and suggestions as to actual origin, and age are welcome, as are any comments and insights. They are rather fearsome pieces in the hand, are they not. Quite one of the sharpest blades I have ever handled. Pictures are of as it is now, and not of the best focused as I was a little rushed, and using my phone'. Blade cleaning to be done at leisure.

kronckew · 13th November 2018, 01:22 PM

Nice, should clean up well. Is that grip wrapped in leather?

mross · 13th November 2018, 05:01 PM

Looks like a good solid fighter to me.

David R · 13th November 2018, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

Nice, should clean up well. Is that grip wrapped in leather?

Yes, leather thong. Not my doing, there when I bought it. I suspect it's a replacement for the original wrap.

Ian · 13th November 2018, 09:57 PM

Hi David.

Nice old kris. The blade is likely 19th C. although you will know more after giving it a clean. The hilt looks like it is late 19th or early 20th C. The hilt might be a replacement. The leather wrap is not rare, I've seen other examples, but I don't know if it was a traditional material or added later by someone not from the culture (perhaps by a US serviceman). The leather appears to have been there for a while.

Ian.

kronckew · 14th November 2018, 01:01 PM

I asked, as my best kris has a leather thong wrapped grip too!

Battara · 14th November 2018, 05:19 PM

David, I would also add that this looks to be Maguindanao.

David R · 14th November 2018, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

David, I would also add that this looks to be Maguindanao.

Thank you. Exactly what I was hoping for, a more informed opinion as to origin. Moro was a bit of a default description as I am not very knowledgeable about this area of the World. But I am impressed by the variety and quality of the weapons from there..

Rick · 14th November 2018, 08:55 PM

The Marlinspike Sailor could be very useful for step by step instructions on how to do a more classic weave for the handles of these swords. Could be a good winter project.

The book is cheap used on Amazon; about $8-10 .

David R · 18th November 2018, 11:26 AM

I am not going to fiddle with the grip. I will just clean the blade up and perhaps do a test etch, before making any decisions. These things have a history that runs all the way up to when they arrive at a dealers table. It would be a pity to remove its last working wrap just to put on it my idea of what it should have.

13th November 2018, 11:40 AM	#1
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	My latest piece, a Moro? Kris. After a few years of chasing after one of these, I finally got one. Ideas and suggestions as to actual origin, and age are welcome, as are any comments and insights. They are rather fearsome pieces in the hand, are they not. Quite one of the sharpest blades I have ever handled. Pictures are of as it is now, and not of the best focused as I was a little rushed, and using my phone'. Blade cleaning to be done at leisure. Attached Images

13th November 2018, 09:57 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,197	Hi David. Nice old kris. The blade is likely 19th C. although you will know more after giving it a clean. The hilt looks like it is late 19th or early 20th C. The hilt might be a replacement. The leather wrap is not rare, I've seen other examples, but I don't know if it was a traditional material or added later by someone not from the culture (perhaps by a US serviceman). The leather appears to have been there for a while. Ian. Last edited by Ian; 14th November 2018 at 11:38 AM.

14th November 2018, 01:01 PM	#6
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,182	I asked, as my best kris has a leather thong wrapped grip too! Attached Images

14th November 2018, 08:55 PM	#9
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,291	Replace? The Marlinspike Sailor could be very useful for step by step instructions on how to do a more classic weave for the handles of these swords. Could be a good winter project. The book is cheap used on Amazon; about $8-10 .

13th November 2018, 01:22 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,182	Nice, should clean up well. Is that grip wrapped in leather?

13th November 2018, 05:01 PM	#3
mross Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 478	Looks like a good solid fighter to me.

14th November 2018, 05:19 PM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	David, I would also add that this looks to be Maguindanao.

18th November 2018, 11:26 AM	#10
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	I am not going to fiddle with the grip. I will just clean the blade up and perhaps do a test etch, before making any decisions. These things have a history that runs all the way up to when they arrive at a dealers table. It would be a pity to remove its last working wrap just to put on it my idea of what it should have.