Sirau and their use

KuKulzA28 · 20th January 2012, 07:53 PM

Well, while waiting for an update on this matter, I went ahead and got myself a modern made pisau that appears to be the same blade-style as one of the two types of siraui.

What do you guys think?

Rick · 21st January 2012, 01:28 AM

The form looks the same, just smaller; more like the size I would expect to see in a korambit .

Would size be a factor with this weapon ?

KuKulzA28 · 21st January 2012, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

The form looks the same, just smaller; more like the size I would expect to see in a korambit .

Would size be a factor with this weapon ?

I agree it does seem pretty small (but very handy). I think maybe blade length would matter since it feels like a slicer... and if one is to slice with a knife, a longer blade edge would definitely help. Whether or not it is a utility knife that can be easily used to fight with, or a fighting knife of a less-than-conventional style, or even two distinct types of knives, one for martial use and the other for mundane tasks... it seems like this is definitely a slicer if held conventionally...

However in pistol grip-like hold (like a badik) it punctures quite well without slipping (at least vs cardboard). Edge-up pistol grip feels odd to me... but maybe that is how it's meant to be used? Or maybe as a precision slicer.... I don't know.

I eagerly await a larger example to play with.

VVV · 21st January 2012, 08:41 AM

The (Javanese) knife you tried is similar, but as Rick pointed out much smaller, which limits the comparison for the different grips.
I am back home again and I just played with my full size knife, the version not pictured in van Z, trying out:

1) Hammer edge down.
2) Hammer edge up.
3) Icepick edge out.
4) Icepick edge in.
5) Pommel in palm push dagger style.
6) Pencil grip edge out.
7) Pencil grip edge in.

The most comfortable grip (for me with the design of my knife's blade) is 1) followed by 3), which is the same grips that are shown with the small (Javanese) knife in the post above. The least comfortable grips are 4) followed by 7) and 2). The reason for this is that the underside of the blade, closest to the handle, cuts in to my palm when I am holding it in those grips. For 2) I can adapt it by holding it lower on the handle and sliding in my thumb at the uncomfortable 90 degree blade point. For 4) I cannot do this.

My conclusion is that utility wise it is most comfortable in 1), with the thumb resting on the back of the blade.

Sajen · 21st January 2012, 10:13 AM

Hello Michael,

agree complete!

Regards,

Detlef

KuKulzA28 · 21st February 2012, 08:56 PM

With this siraui I have found that the most comfortable and natural feeling grip is a punching-knife type grip like a badik. In this case, it would be edge-up... which is not conventional in most places, but definitely not entirely 100% unheard of.

The conventional blade-up edge-out grip is do-able, but the blade curves far back, so that cutting with it conventionally in fighting is awkward (since edge is set angled far back). In an ice-pich sort of grip, the blade is also angled back so that stabbing and slashing seems a little awkward as it's about 45 degrees from the forearm, so pretty far from the more conventional vertical/perpendicular position from the bottom of the fist found on most generic knife design.

fearn · 21st February 2012, 10:26 PM

Kukulz

What happens if you try a curving slash with this blade? Something like throwing a frisbee, with the edge out, and not letting go of the sirau?

F

20th January 2012, 07:53 PM	#1
KuKulzA28 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: between work and sleep Posts: 731	Well, while waiting for an update on this matter, I went ahead and got myself a modern made pisau that appears to be the same blade-style as one of the two types of siraui. What do you guys think? Attached Images

21st February 2012, 08:56 PM	#6
KuKulzA28 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: between work and sleep Posts: 731	With this siraui I have found that the most comfortable and natural feeling grip is a punching-knife type grip like a badik. In this case, it would be edge-up... which is not conventional in most places, but definitely not entirely 100% unheard of. The conventional blade-up edge-out grip is do-able, but the blade curves far back, so that cutting with it conventionally in fighting is awkward (since edge is set angled far back). In an ice-pich sort of grip, the blade is also angled back so that stabbing and slashing seems a little awkward as it's about 45 degrees from the forearm, so pretty far from the more conventional vertical/perpendicular position from the bottom of the fist found on most generic knife design. Attached Images

21st January 2012, 01:28 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	The form looks the same, just smaller; more like the size I would expect to see in a korambit . Would size be a factor with this weapon ?

21st January 2012, 08:41 AM	#4
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	The (Javanese) knife you tried is similar, but as Rick pointed out much smaller, which limits the comparison for the different grips. I am back home again and I just played with my full size knife, the version not pictured in van Z, trying out: 1) Hammer edge down. 2) Hammer edge up. 3) Icepick edge out. 4) Icepick edge in. 5) Pommel in palm push dagger style. 6) Pencil grip edge out. 7) Pencil grip edge in. The most comfortable grip (for me with the design of my knife's blade) is 1) followed by 3), which is the same grips that are shown with the small (Javanese) knife in the post above. The least comfortable grips are 4) followed by 7) and 2). The reason for this is that the underside of the blade, closest to the handle, cuts in to my palm when I am holding it in those grips. For 2) I can adapt it by holding it lower on the handle and sliding in my thumb at the uncomfortable 90 degree blade point. For 4) I cannot do this. My conclusion is that utility wise it is most comfortable in 1), with the thumb resting on the back of the blade.

21st January 2012, 10:13 AM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,214	Hello Michael, agree complete! Regards, Detlef

21st February 2012, 10:26 PM	#7
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Kukulz What happens if you try a curving slash with this blade? Something like throwing a frisbee, with the edge out, and not letting go of the sirau? F