Mystery knife

Ian · 16th December 2016, 09:33 PM

This is the second example of this identical knife that I have owned. I don't yet have this one in hand. However, its twin had an extremely sharp edge that was hardened. The small ferrule and straight cylindrical handles with rounded ends are identical on each knife, as are the scabbards.

The precise origin of these knives eludes me, but it appears to be SE Asian. I had thought that the first one I found may have been a custom made piece, but the arrival of its twin suggests this is a "style" that appears to be rare.

Any thoughts on their origin would be appreciated.

Ian.

Here are the seller's pics.

Rick · 16th December 2016, 10:27 PM

Hi Ian, can you give some measurements.

The piece certainly has a 'Philippine' feel to it..mostly.
The handle/ferrule set up seems a bit strange; but the blade profile would seem to fit within parameters for that area.

BTW
Nice knife.

Ian · 17th December 2016, 02:57 AM

Hi Rick:

The only data I have is from the seller: OAL in the scabbard is 22 inches. The seller also thought it was from the Philippines, circa WWII, although there was no clear provenance linking it to the Philippines or to that period.

The absence of rattan bindings, or any binding for that matter, on the wooden scabbard would be unusual for a traditional Filipino knife of this size. I can't recall whether the other knife I owned had a scabbard that was glued or pinned together with small brads. Either way, not really typical Filipino work. The hilt and ferrule are unlike any Philippine knife I have seen. I should also mention that the hilt is not full tang, which would pretty much rule out Luzon.

The workmanship on each knife was considerably above average, and the scabbards have been well carved and finished carefully. There is no obvious suspension system for it to be worn around the waist, so presumably it was meant to be thrust through a sash or behind a belt.

Ian.

Battara · 17th December 2016, 03:48 AM

The scabbard and even the blade to a lesser degree looks a little Bicolano to me.

You are right, a rare version. Does the tang go through the hilt?

Ian · 17th December 2016, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

The scabbard and even the blade to a lesser degree looks a little Bicolano to me.

You are right, a rare version. Does the tang go through the hilt?

Jose, it is a blind tang construction.

Ian

Battara · 19th December 2016, 12:28 AM

I could still be Bicolano since they are right next to the Visayas.

16th December 2016, 09:33 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,200	Mystery knife This is the second example of this identical knife that I have owned. I don't yet have this one in hand. However, its twin had an extremely sharp edge that was hardened. The small ferrule and straight cylindrical handles with rounded ends are identical on each knife, as are the scabbards. The precise origin of these knives eludes me, but it appears to be SE Asian. I had thought that the first one I found may have been a custom made piece, but the arrival of its twin suggests this is a "style" that appears to be rare. Any thoughts on their origin would be appreciated. Ian. Here are the seller's pics. Attached Images

16th December 2016, 10:27 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	Hi Ian, can you give some measurements. The piece certainly has a 'Philippine' feel to it..mostly. The handle/ferrule set up seems a bit strange; but the blade profile would seem to fit within parameters for that area. BTW Nice knife.

17th December 2016, 02:57 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,200	Hi Rick: The only data I have is from the seller: OAL in the scabbard is 22 inches. The seller also thought it was from the Philippines, circa WWII, although there was no clear provenance linking it to the Philippines or to that period. The absence of rattan bindings, or any binding for that matter, on the wooden scabbard would be unusual for a traditional Filipino knife of this size. I can't recall whether the other knife I owned had a scabbard that was glued or pinned together with small brads. Either way, not really typical Filipino work. The hilt and ferrule are unlike any Philippine knife I have seen. I should also mention that the hilt is not full tang, which would pretty much rule out Luzon. The workmanship on each knife was considerably above average, and the scabbards have been well carved and finished carefully. There is no obvious suspension system for it to be worn around the waist, so presumably it was meant to be thrust through a sash or behind a belt. Ian.

17th December 2016, 03:48 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,220	The scabbard and even the blade to a lesser degree looks a little Bicolano to me. You are right, a rare version. Does the tang go through the hilt?

19th December 2016, 12:28 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,220	I could still be Bicolano since they are right next to the Visayas.