talking to an old PI soldier

Ian · 21st August 2005, 06:40 PM

One of the purported advantages of a wavy edged blade over a straight edged one is the inherently longer cutting edge of the wavy one for blades of the same overall length. The wavy blade may allow greater contact with the target and (supposedly) permit a deeper cut than a straight edge. Don't know if this theory holds any water, but I have heard it expressed on several occasions. There is some intuitive appeal to the argument. Perhaps some of our Filipino escrima experts can provide some definitive comments.

Ian.

Freddy · 21st August 2005, 07:28 PM

I agree to the fact the a stab is far more dangerous than a slash.

A stab wound with a knife (with straight or wavy blade) will often cause internal damage to the body. I've seen victims with stab wounds running around as if nothing happened. Often these people were excited by the event.
Afterwards in the hospital their condition became critical as it's difficult to know the damage inflicted inside the body. From the outside, you only see a puncture wound. That's why it's important to take stab victims to the E.R. as soon as possible.

Others who had slash wounds were bleeding a lot, and this looks far worse. But unless an important artery is cut, the wound will be not as life threatening.

Whether a wavy blade is more dangerous than a straight one, I don't know. Kerises are made with both types of blade. Isn't it a fact that the form of a keris blade is more symbolic : straight blade is the Naga in rest, wavy blade is the Naga in movement ?

Rick · 21st August 2005, 08:30 PM

Hi Freddy,
Again in the context we are speaking of ( Moro swords ) the weapon's primary use (19c. on) is not as a stabbing weapon but as a slashing , chopping type of sword . I agree that puncture wounds are indeed dangerous and more often fatal than a slash ; but if a body is cleaved from clavicle to mid sternum in a jungle environment far from any hospital . I would think that death by exsanguination let alone organ damage would be inevitable .

For inflicting puncture wounds I would think the budiak or many of the widely varied trailside booby traps would be the preferred weapons .

Bill · 21st August 2005, 09:09 PM

I got some pretty graphic accounts of the damage from the kris, all were from using it as a slashing sword. It was quite clear that the sword will pass through flesh & bone, completing the swing.

ariel · 21st August 2005, 11:28 PM

I think I already mentioned it here: a blade stabbing deeper than 2.5 inches anywhere into the human trunk damages a vital structure.
Slashing wound bleeds a lot, but stabbing kills.

Bill · 21st August 2005, 11:46 PM

We are talking slashing wounds several inches deep. He said he saw men's arms removed & it did not stop the blade from slashing through thier chest.

Rick · 22nd August 2005, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

I think I already mentioned it here: a blade stabbing deeper than 2.5 inches anywhere into the human trunk damages a vital structure.
Slashing wound bleeds a lot, but stabbing kills.

Then by that logic a 2.5 inch deep slash would qualify , no ?

Lew · 22nd August 2005, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

I think I already mentioned it here: a blade stabbing deeper than 2.5 inches anywhere into the human trunk damages a vital structure.
Slashing wound bleeds a lot, but stabbing kills.

Ariel

A blow from a large heavy kris can cleave a man from the collar bone down through and into the chest cavity it can easliy remove arms,legs and heads. The straight kris cleaves more like short heavy European viking swords.

Lew

21st August 2005, 06:40 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	One of the purported advantages of a wavy edged blade over a straight edged one is the inherently longer cutting edge of the wavy one for blades of the same overall length. The wavy blade may allow greater contact with the target and (supposedly) permit a deeper cut than a straight edge. Don't know if this theory holds any water, but I have heard it expressed on several occasions. There is some intuitive appeal to the argument. Perhaps some of our Filipino escrima experts can provide some definitive comments. Ian.

21st August 2005, 07:28 PM	#2
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I agree to the fact the a stab is far more dangerous than a slash. A stab wound with a knife (with straight or wavy blade) will often cause internal damage to the body. I've seen victims with stab wounds running around as if nothing happened. Often these people were excited by the event. Afterwards in the hospital their condition became critical as it's difficult to know the damage inflicted inside the body. From the outside, you only see a puncture wound. That's why it's important to take stab victims to the E.R. as soon as possible. Others who had slash wounds were bleeding a lot, and this looks far worse. But unless an important artery is cut, the wound will be not as life threatening. Whether a wavy blade is more dangerous than a straight one, I don't know. Kerises are made with both types of blade. Isn't it a fact that the form of a keris blade is more symbolic : straight blade is the Naga in rest, wavy blade is the Naga in movement ?

21st August 2005, 08:30 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Hi Freddy, Again in the context we are speaking of ( Moro swords ) the weapon's primary use (19c. on) is not as a stabbing weapon but as a slashing , chopping type of sword . I agree that puncture wounds are indeed dangerous and more often fatal than a slash ; but if a body is cleaved from clavicle to mid sternum in a jungle environment far from any hospital . I would think that death by exsanguination let alone organ damage would be inevitable . For inflicting puncture wounds I would think the budiak or many of the widely varied trailside booby traps would be the preferred weapons .

21st August 2005, 09:09 PM	#4
Bill Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago area Posts: 327	I got some pretty graphic accounts of the damage from the kris, all were from using it as a slashing sword. It was quite clear that the sword will pass through flesh & bone, completing the swing.

21st August 2005, 11:28 PM	#5
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I think I already mentioned it here: a blade stabbing deeper than 2.5 inches anywhere into the human trunk damages a vital structure. Slashing wound bleeds a lot, but stabbing kills.

21st August 2005, 11:46 PM	#6
Bill Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago area Posts: 327	We are talking slashing wounds several inches deep. He said he saw men's arms removed & it did not stop the blade from slashing through thier chest.