Sirau and their use

[harimauhk]

Unfortunately I have it in storage: it is a modern piece, but nicely done. I'll see if I can rescue it tomorrow.

[David]

Originally Posted by harimauhk

Unfortunately I have it in storage: it is a modern piece, but nicely done. I'll see if I can rescue it tomorrow.

I would also be interested in seeing it...of course, i am not sure what a modern version of this blade type can tell us about the original and traditional purpose of the knife. The Javanese siraui you have you say is a modern piece. What is the age on the Minangkubau piece. There is probably more to be learned from older versions that were made when blades were more likely to actually be used in a battle scenario than from any modern versions.

[VVV]

Originally Posted by David

I would also be interested in seeing it...of course, i am not sure what a modern version of this blade type can tell us about the original and traditional purpose of the knife. The Javanese siraui you have you say is a modern piece. What is the age on the Minangkubau piece. There is probably more to be learned from older versions that were made when blades were more likely to actually be used in a battle scenario than from any modern versions.

Also the ones that Lew and KuKulzA28 are trying out are smaller versions of this blade. That's probably the reason why they prefer another kind of grip. "Size matters" with knives and grips.

Michael

[harimauhk]

I agree that an older piece would tell us more about traditional use. From the dress of the Minang ones I have seen in this thread and my modern one, it seems highly unlikely they were meant to be simple farm or household tools.

I sent my silat guru in KL a message to see what he thinks of it: it's not something we've discussed (yet)!