The Purpose of Keris Panjang

PenangsangII · 23rd June 2007, 05:01 AM

Blu, I am not sure I understand what you mean by saying panjang is poorly balanced. From my experience in handling the panjang (around 16 to 18" in length), the blade profile which is (normally)thick at the base and very thin towards the tip, along with almost 3" long of the tang in the tapak kuda hilt, is very well balanced although less maneuvourble compares to pasikutan sized keris. Furthermore, all the panjang that I have seen are tempered about 3 quarter from tip to base, which indicates killing purpose.

Regarding the bahari, I thought it is a name of a steel / iron. It also means something very valuable eg. gold used to be weighed in bahar such as one bahar of gold.

Yes I agree with Blu that Bugis seamen would normally carry the sepokal keris instead of Bahari which I also agree that it is of Minang's origin.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

23rd June 2007, 05:01 AM	#12
PenangsangII Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 401	Blu, I am not sure I understand what you mean by saying panjang is poorly balanced. From my experience in handling the panjang (around 16 to 18" in length), the blade profile which is (normally)thick at the base and very thin towards the tip, along with almost 3" long of the tang in the tapak kuda hilt, is very well balanced although less maneuvourble compares to pasikutan sized keris. Furthermore, all the panjang that I have seen are tempered about 3 quarter from tip to base, which indicates killing purpose. Regarding the bahari, I thought it is a name of a steel / iron. It also means something very valuable eg. gold used to be weighed in bahar such as one bahar of gold. Yes I agree with Blu that Bugis seamen would normally carry the sepokal keris instead of Bahari which I also agree that it is of Minang's origin.