Aluminum hilt blade
 

Just when I thought I couldn't find these anymore in the Philippines, one shows up. They still make these aluminum hilt blades in my country but not this ornate anymore. I have a modern longer blade that is made in Cebu. I still have to restore this piece.

Hello HM,

I remember the time when these aluminium hilted knives were on masse offered by ebay, you were able to buy them for a few $$.
I think Ian has a few!? I think the "stones" are from plastic?
Aluminium polished up could look nice, please let us see the result.

Regards,
Detlef

Thank you Detlef. Yes these "stones" are plastic indeed. I am having a hard time polishing this aluminum handle. There are some pitting on it. I think this requires sanding first before polishing. I will update this post once I am done restoring the whole piece.

Hi Detlef,

Yes, I have a few of these aluminum-hilted knives. The picture you showed from another thread are some of mine. I have perhaps 15-20 in all, of various sizes. These were originally made in Cebu as mementos of WWII, and for selling to GIs. They were also produced in Pangasinan for much the same purpose.

Like everything, there has been price inflation. What once was common and cheap, is now "vintage" and more expensive. They are quite attractive knives but the blade is usually of low quality. As Detlef has noted, many of the "jewels" are plastic, although some of the older dated ones have inexpensive stones.