Another Panabas
 

I recently acquired this massive panabas (33" long,blade 18.5" x 5" x 3/8" @ the base). This item is unusual to me because it is only the second one that I have seen with a bamboo constructed handle; do these come from a particular region? Also, there is a strange stamp on the blade; is this a maker's mark or a talismanic symbol?

Many that I've seen have come from Mindanao.

This looks small enough to be used as a one handed war blade.

Thanks for the imput; It is a monster, 33" long and very very heavy!Any idea about the mark on the the blade or was that what you were referring to as an indication that it was from Mindanao?

On the mark - no idea, though I do wonder if it was made from American spring leaf or another source.

Most of these I have seen have been attributed to Mindanao, and pictures of men holding them also seem to come from Mindanao.