Three "Datu Panabas/es"

[CharlesS]

Cato refers to panabas/es carried by datu retainers, or bodyguards, that took on an intimidating look largely via size and appearance. I believe that these are just such panabas/es, and doubt they ever cut a bit of jungle foliage.

Each is very unique in its own way:

P-1 A shorter panabas, but elegant, and with a lovely twist core blade, and quality fittings.

P-2 A panabas with a massive, quality blade, and more excellent fittings.

P-3 The oddest panabas of the group, with rattan wrapped handle and quality mesh brass work. Most intriguing of all is the "tsuba" like pierced guard(!!!). The blade is super sharp on the bottom and just past the first half of the top. This one could have been handled in many different ways.