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10th April 2012, 09:57 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 422
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Large Philippines knives/swords
Just showing off a trio of large knives/swords from the Philippines. One old, one very modern (bought new), and other one seems middle-aged.
The old one is easily the best, in terms of design and workmanship. Whether the Western distinction between knives and swords applies to these, and how, is a mystery to me. Any comments or discussion on this point is most welcome. |
10th April 2012, 11:26 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Aug 2009
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The first two look similar in blade shape to bolos referred to as "Dahong Palay" that come from the Laguna area.
I have one similar to the top one, but with a 21-inch blade. I like these pieces. Mine is nice and thick in the spine at 8mm. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...0&postcount=13 |
10th April 2012, 11:52 PM | #3 |
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Attatched is a picture of a modern-made Dahong Palay (top)
Very interesting to see that the blade shape has not changed after all these years. |
11th April 2012, 03:23 AM | #4 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Centerville, Kansas
Posts: 2,196
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I believe the second sword would be referred to as a "sinan-kapitan". Like ThePepperSkull I really like this style of sword and would love to be able to have ones like them myself. Congratulations for being able to acquire them for your collection.
Robert |
11th April 2012, 03:51 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tucson, Az
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Dahong Palay
These photos are of a Dahong Palay (rice leaf) from the town of Tabaco, in Bicol, Philippines. The blade is 17" and the "tabak", was made this year. The scabbard is tied with mono filament fishing line instead of cordage. Thickness of the spine at the handle is 4.5 mm . The short sword weighs 16 oz .
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13th April 2012, 02:02 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Michigan
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My son has one of these and it is his favorite cutting item. Holds a fantastic edge.
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11th April 2012, 10:21 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: Mar 2012
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Yes, the top one is a dahong palay. There are much better photos of it here: http://www.swordsantiqueweapons.com/s443_full.html
I wasn't planning to focus on Philippine knives or swords (and don't), but I got a very nice one (which I forgot to photograph last weekend!), and it inspired me to get a few more, which inspired me to get a few more. The top dahong palay is very nice in the hand - a well-made sword by somebody who understood what swords are for. Here are two smaller (but not small) knives that are also very nice in hand. There is superb art in these, but the appreciation is kinesthetic rather than visual. The shiny one is chromed. |
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