Luzon or Panay?

JeffS · 14th December 2024, 11:29 AM

The overall style of this knife seems Luzon but lack of peen, chisel grind, and leather scabbard throat are all common Visayan features. Ferule is brass, guard is copper. OAL 16" with 12" blade.

Sajen · 14th December 2024, 12:19 PM

Hi Jeff,

Nice long dagger you show us!

And I can understand your question, I am not really sure as well! But I am sure that I have seen similar ones before.

Regards,
Detlef

chmorshuutz · 14th December 2024, 02:05 PM

I'll lean towards Panay. It looks similar to those from Iloilo or Antique province, though not certain about the blade profile.

RobT · 15th December 2024, 12:14 AM

Hi All,

My example is probably newer but perhaps it will help with origin.
Specs: 9.875" Girunting Blade, Dark brown wood hilt with aluminum inlay (pommel inlay missing), Brass ferrule and ”S” shaped aluminum cross guard, Wood sheath with aluminum inlay, aluminum and leather throat, Brass and aluminum chape.

Sincerely,
RobT

Ian · 15th December 2024, 12:42 AM

Hi Rob,

Does your example have a full length tang? There seems to be a plate at the end of the hilt.

JeffS · 15th December 2024, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobT

Hi All,

My example is probably newer but perhaps it will help with origin.
Specs: 9.875" Girunting Blade, Dark brown wood hilt with aluminum inlay (pommel inlay missing), Brass ferrule and ”S” shaped aluminum cross guard, Wood sheath with aluminum inlay, aluminum and leather throat, Brass and aluminum chape.

Sincerely,
RobT

Shows this is a style vs odd ball since I agree my example seems older. I was curious how the round chape would look, great to see one intact.

RobT · 15th December 2024, 05:11 AM

Hi Ian,
It is a blind tang. What you are seeing as plate is actually the end of the wood hilt. It looks like a plate because it stands proud of the shallow cut outs for the missing (presumably aluminum) pommel ornaments.

Hi JeffS,
Yes, given the close similarity of the two pieces in blade, hilt, and sheath, it appears to be a type and not just a one off. It is the only Philippine "Bowie style" blade in my collection with a chisel grind. It makes me wonder even more strongly if the Philippine "Bowie" wasn't developed in the Philippines independently of the US Bowie style. The two clip points differ markedly with the Philippine clip point being far longer than the US version. Is it possible that the Philippine clip point was already in existence prior to WWII and just found favor with US service men because they were used to the clip point form?

Sincerely,
RobT

14th December 2024, 11:29 AM	#1
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 363	Luzon or Panay? The overall style of this knife seems Luzon but lack of peen, chisel grind, and leather scabbard throat are all common Visayan features. Ferule is brass, guard is copper. OAL 16" with 12" blade. Attached Images

15th December 2024, 12:14 AM	#4
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 506	Will This Help? Hi All, My example is probably newer but perhaps it will help with origin. Specs: 9.875" Girunting Blade, Dark brown wood hilt with aluminum inlay (pommel inlay missing), Brass ferrule and ”S” shaped aluminum cross guard, Wood sheath with aluminum inlay, aluminum and leather throat, Brass and aluminum chape. Sincerely, RobT Attached Images

15th December 2024, 05:11 AM	#7
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 506	An Intriguing Question Hi Ian, It is a blind tang. What you are seeing as plate is actually the end of the wood hilt. It looks like a plate because it stands proud of the shallow cut outs for the missing (presumably aluminum) pommel ornaments. Hi JeffS, Yes, given the close similarity of the two pieces in blade, hilt, and sheath, it appears to be a type and not just a one off. It is the only Philippine "Bowie style" blade in my collection with a chisel grind. It makes me wonder even more strongly if the Philippine "Bowie" wasn't developed in the Philippines independently of the US Bowie style. The two clip points differ markedly with the Philippine clip point being far longer than the US version. Is it possible that the Philippine clip point was already in existence prior to WWII and just found favor with US service men because they were used to the clip point form? Sincerely, RobT

14th December 2024, 12:19 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,887	Hi Jeff, Nice long dagger you show us! And I can understand your question, I am not really sure as well! But I am sure that I have seen similar ones before. Regards, Detlef

14th December 2024, 02:05 PM	#3
chmorshuutz Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 56	I'll lean towards Panay. It looks similar to those from Iloilo or Antique province, though not certain about the blade profile.

15th December 2024, 12:42 AM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,247	Hi Rob, Does your example have a full length tang? There seems to be a plate at the end of the hilt.