What species of Philippine bolo is this?

Treeslicer · 13th March 2018, 07:18 PM

This is currently on the way to me. To my eye, it "looks good", but can anyone recognize the type? It seems to have a mix of characteristics, and I'm no expert on these, anyway.

Ian · 13th March 2018, 07:43 PM

Hi TS:

Need more pics for this one, especially the hilt. From this one dark pic it does not look very old. Is the edge V-ground or a chisel grind?

Ian.

Treeslicer · 13th March 2018, 08:56 PM

I'll take some when it gets here. I boosted the "fill flash" on the full view. At least it looks like it'll cut brush pretty good, whatever it is.

ACP · 28th March 2018, 05:16 PM

They call it a talibon sir. It is a kind of bolo used in the Eastern Visayas. I have a couple in my collection. The characteristic shape is taken from the curvature of the seahorse's belly. Used mostly for combat, it was modified to be used as a game sword to cut grass and later when the animal was caught, to cut the carcass

Treeslicer · 29th March 2018, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACP

They call it a talibon sir. It is a kind of bolo used in the Eastern Visayas. I have a couple in my collection. The characteristic shape is taken from the curvature of the seahorse's belly. Used mostly for combat, it was modified to be used as a game sword to cut grass and later when the animal was caught, to cut the carcass

Thanks. I was hoping that someone from the area might chime in. I thought that the Visayan talibon usually has a straight or concave back, rather than a convex hump, or Bowie profile, like this one does. Is this a specific variety of talibon?

Edit-- Now having the weapon in hand, it's right side chisel ground, and is differentially hardened.

Sajen · 29th March 2018, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeslicer

I thought that the Visayan talibon usually has a straight or concave back, rather than a convex hump, or Bowie profile, like this one does. Is this a specific variety of talibon?

Edit-- Now having the weapon in hand, it's right side chisel ground, and is differentially hardened.

Hello Treeslicer,

in this case, I mean that it has on one side a chisel ground, ACP is correct, it's indeed a talibon. Very unusual with the clipped point.

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 4th April 2018, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeslicer

... Edit-- Now having the weapon in hand, it's right side chisel ground, and is differentially hardened. ...

Robert, Treeslicer has indicated there is a chisel grind based on direct observation. Ian

13th March 2018, 07:18 PM	#1
Treeslicer Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 65	What species of Philippine bolo is this? This is currently on the way to me. To my eye, it "looks good", but can anyone recognize the type? It seems to have a mix of characteristics, and I'm no expert on these, anyway. Attached Images

13th March 2018, 08:56 PM	#3
Treeslicer Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 65	I'll take some when it gets here. I boosted the "fill flash" on the full view. At least it looks like it'll cut brush pretty good, whatever it is. Attached Images

13th March 2018, 07:43 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,197	Hi TS: Need more pics for this one, especially the hilt. From this one dark pic it does not look very old. Is the edge V-ground or a chisel grind? Ian.

28th March 2018, 05:16 PM	#4
ACP Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Western Visayas Philippines Posts: 16	They call it a talibon sir. It is a kind of bolo used in the Eastern Visayas. I have a couple in my collection. The characteristic shape is taken from the curvature of the seahorse's belly. Used mostly for combat, it was modified to be used as a game sword to cut grass and later when the animal was caught, to cut the carcass