Filipino Traditional Blades--a brief review (part I)

[Ian]

Binangon/Binakuko

"Binangon" Maasin, Iloilo

More commonly known as "Binakuko" in other islands.

The most important bolo type manufactured by the Badiangan blacksmiths are

• Binakuko for chopping wood;
• Sinuwak for carpentry and cutting shrubs and smaller trees;
• Ginunting having the same function as the Sinuwak;
  
• Pinuti for slicing meat;
• Tangkap for kitchen use;
• Linamay, Surot, and Balintawak are used in gardening;
• Kayog is used to harvest rice; and
• Wasay used to chop lumber and bigger trees.

Bolos are made by hand with blades made from recycled steel.

[Ian]

Tukew and Garab, Palaw'an people, Palawan

"Tukew" and "Garab" Palaw'an Tribe (Quezon, Palawan)

A Palaw'an brother was kind enough to pose for a photo witb his EDC. A "Garab" he is holding which is used to cut grass. And the traditional bolo of his tribe, called a "Tukew".

The Palaw'an is one of the indigenous tribes of Palawan.

The garab shown here is a tool that resembles rice knives used elsewhere, although described here as used for cutting grass. We don't see the blade of the tukew but it is possibly what has been described here previously as a Palawano bangkung.
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[Ian]

"Obtip"—Davao City

"Obtip" Matigsalog Tribe

This is the traditional IP bolo (Sundang) of the Matigsalog Tribe of Sitio Marahan, Marilog District of Davao City. Locally called an "Obtip"

Forged by a katutubo panday of the community.

Our thanks to the tribe elders who allowed us to share a photo of their tribe's traditional blade.

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