Ilocano Knives (Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines)

F. de Luzon · 2nd June 2018, 09:07 AM

I visited the Ilocos Region recently. One of the places known for producing knives there is the town of Santa in the Province of Ilocos Sur. The trademark pommel of Santa knives is the soldier's head but they also make the more common pommel designs. I found these knives from Santa in the public market of the City of Vigan (around 10 km from Santa). Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I included a photo to give an idea what it's like to be there.

These knives are farm tools but they can still be effective weapons. I was told that they are made of recycled leaf spring but manufactured through the traditional process. The hilt is made of carabao horn and the sheath is of thick carabao hide.

Dimensions:
Bolo: Blade length- 15.5 inches/39.37 cm Total length- 21 inches/ 53.34 cm
Knife: Blade length- 5.2 inches/13.3 cm Total length- 8.75 inches/22.22 cm

F. de Luzon · 2nd June 2018, 09:10 AM

More photos.

Ian · 2nd June 2018, 10:05 PM

Thanks for posting these interesting recent examples of southern Ilocano knives for everyday use. Very useful pictures.

Ian.

F. de Luzon · 3rd June 2018, 12:41 PM

You're welcome Ian. I found it interesting that each blade is distinct from the others. Although they appear the same, they are different in weight and balance. Some are light and flimsy, others are bulky and heavy. The variations in blade shape, thickness and grind account for this. The hilt size and weight is also not consistent. Each knife thus has its own personality and one has to find the one that feels right in the hand or one that suits one's specific needs.

These examples do not compare to antique Ilocano knives that I've handled. In general they are still well made but these are unrefined. The attention to detail is not the same. The bolsters are not as nice and the carving in the handles are very rough. I've seen older examples of the Santa pommel that are well detailed. Where human features are carefully carved unlike the examples shown here. I'll try to post pictures of those better examples. Anyway, I guess these are not made to impress aesthetically. They are everyday working tools that are meant to last but not to be displayed. They may not be refined but they will certainly get the job done. Nonetheless, I wish that the traditional quality was retained. Like I said, these new ones do not compare to the antiques.

Ian · 4th June 2018, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F. de Luzon

You're welcome Ian. I found it interesting that each blade is distinct from the others. Although they appear the same, they are different in weight and balance. Some are light and flimsy, others are bulky and heavy. The variations in blade shape, thickness and grind account for this. The hilt size and weight is also not consistent. Each knife thus has its own personality and one has to find the one that feels right in the hand or one that suits one's specific needs.

These examples do not compare to antique Ilocano knives that I've handled. In general they are still well made but these are unrefined. The attention to detail is not the same. The bolsters are not as nice and the carving in the handles are very rough. I've seen older examples of the Santa pommel that are well detailed. Where human features are carefully carved unlike the examples shown here. I'll try to post pictures of those better examples. Anyway, I guess these are not made to impress aesthetically. They are everyday working tools that are meant to last but not to be displayed. They may not be refined but they will certainly get the job done. Nonetheless, I wish that the traditional quality was retained. Like I said, these new ones do not compare to the antiques.

Thanks again for your comments F. de L. The depiction of Antonio Luna on these hilts is a tradition that seems to have been around since before WWII. Luna was an interesting man and there are a number of online sources detailing his history. I agree that many of the depictions here are cruder than on older, better quality examples.

I think the "individuality" of Filipino knives is common--no two being exactly alike unless machine made--and the need to find the right "fit" for a buyer is important. I have a friend in Negros who must have examined 50 different bolos of similar design before deciding on the right one for him to cut brush in his yard. Since he planned to do a lot of chopping with it over a long time he wanted one that would last and feel right.

Ian.

F. de Luzon · 4th June 2018, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Thanks again for your comments F. de L. The depiction of Antonio Luna on these hilts is a tradition that seems to have been around since before WWII. Luna was an interesting man and there are a number of online sources detailiong his history. I agree that many of the depictions here are cruder than on older, better quality examples.

Hi Ian,

The Santa pommel (aka Kapitan or Antonio Luna) certainly resembles a Filipino revolutionary army officer wearing a peaked cap like General Antonio Luna in his portrait. Here's a link that provides info on the uniform of the Army of the First Philippine Republic: http://malacanang.gov.ph/76540-infog...pine-republic/. Also, attached is a photo of Antonio Luna wearing the cap and an example of an antique dagger from Santa, Ilocos Sur for the information of readers who may not be acquainted with what we are discussing.

The attention to detail in the older pommel is so much better compared to contemporary versions. I noticed that the stud on the forehead that you'll find in older versions is missing in the new ones. It's that stud that makes it unmistakably inspired by the officers of the 1st Republican Army. I've seen claims online that older versions like this are from the era of the First Republic (1898-1901). It makes sense because it was the only time such uniform was used. However, I've never encountered an actual dated example. I hope someone can shed more light on this.

[/QUOTE] I think the "individuality" of Filipino knives is common--no two being exactly alike unless machine made--and the need to find the right "fit" for a buyer is important. I have a friend in Negros who must have examined 50 different bolos of similar design before deciding on the right one for him to cut brush in his yard. Since he planned to do a lot of chopping with it over a long time he wanted one that would last and feel right. [/QUOTE]

This is very interesting. I did the same until I found the right one.

Kind regards,

Fernando

2nd June 2018, 09:07 AM	#1
F. de Luzon Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 184	Ilocano Knives (Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines) I visited the Ilocos Region recently. One of the places known for producing knives there is the town of Santa in the Province of Ilocos Sur. The trademark pommel of Santa knives is the soldier's head but they also make the more common pommel designs. I found these knives from Santa in the public market of the City of Vigan (around 10 km from Santa). Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I included a photo to give an idea what it's like to be there. These knives are farm tools but they can still be effective weapons. I was told that they are made of recycled leaf spring but manufactured through the traditional process. The hilt is made of carabao horn and the sheath is of thick carabao hide. Dimensions: Bolo: Blade length- 15.5 inches/39.37 cm Total length- 21 inches/ 53.34 cm Knife: Blade length- 5.2 inches/13.3 cm Total length- 8.75 inches/22.22 cm Attached Images Last edited by F. de Luzon; 2nd June 2018 at 02:26 PM.

2nd June 2018, 09:10 AM	#2
F. de Luzon Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 184	More photos. Attached Images

3rd June 2018, 12:41 PM	#4
F. de Luzon Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 184	You're welcome Ian. I found it interesting that each blade is distinct from the others. Although they appear the same, they are different in weight and balance. Some are light and flimsy, others are bulky and heavy. The variations in blade shape, thickness and grind account for this. The hilt size and weight is also not consistent. Each knife thus has its own personality and one has to find the one that feels right in the hand or one that suits one's specific needs. These examples do not compare to antique Ilocano knives that I've handled. In general they are still well made but these are unrefined. The attention to detail is not the same. The bolsters are not as nice and the carving in the handles are very rough. I've seen older examples of the Santa pommel that are well detailed. Where human features are carefully carved unlike the examples shown here. I'll try to post pictures of those better examples. Anyway, I guess these are not made to impress aesthetically. They are everyday working tools that are meant to last but not to be displayed. They may not be refined but they will certainly get the job done. Nonetheless, I wish that the traditional quality was retained. Like I said, these new ones do not compare to the antiques. Last edited by F. de Luzon; 3rd June 2018 at 03:31 PM.

2nd June 2018, 10:05 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,198	Thanks for posting these interesting recent examples of southern Ilocano knives for everyday use. Very useful pictures. Ian.