Those "Negrito bolos" are actually Ilocano knives

Ian · 18th March 2017, 06:39 PM

Hi nirghosa:

Yes, these are still found in major tourist centers around the country. When I was there in the 1990s and early 2000s they could be found in many "antique" stores, etc. Well made general purpose knives, and inexpensive as you say.

Ian.

Ian · 27th April 2018, 10:01 PM

I'm bringing this one back up to highlight another common blade form seen on Ilocano knives. This type has a "double-clip" profile on the spine of the blade: the spine starts out straight from the guard for a few inches, then has a distinct concave curve, followed by another concave curve that extends to the tip. In addition, the knife shown below has many other characteristic Ilocano traits: a full tang hilt with the tang peined over a plate (*), the carved out "pinky notch," the multifaceted grip (usually made of horn), a small metal ferrule and cross guard (usually brass), and a small bulge adjacent to the guard on the cutting edge.

This "double-dip" or "double-clip" feature on the back of the blade is not unique to Ilocano knives. It is seen quite commonly, for example, on knives from old European carving sets. A similar blade is present on a 19th C. Sheffield carving set shown below for comparison.

This blade form is seen not just on small Ilocano knives but also on sword length blades, an example of which is also shown.

Ian.

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Treeslicer · 27th April 2018, 11:36 PM

Thanks for posting these, Ian!

I have 3 of these, one marked "Negrito Bolo" (21" blade of the s-curve type), one unmarked long and wide "Bowie", and the "Montana mine shaft" bolo (marked "PM" and "Philippines") I recently posted in another thread, which seems quite similar to the last example in your latest post. All are differentially hardened, with brass fittings, and faceted horn plate-peened hilts. Excellent bush knives, to say the least.

Ian · 28th April 2018, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeslicer

Thanks for posting these, Ian!

I have 3 of these, one marked "Negrito Bolo" (21" blade of the s-curve type), one unmarked long and wide "Bowie", and the "Montana mine shaft" bolo (marked "PM" and "Philippines") I recently posted in another thread, which seems quite similar to the last example in your latest post. All are differentially hardened, with brass fittings, and faceted horn plate-peened hilts. Excellent bush knives, to say the least.

You are welcome TS. I agree that these are rugged and handy general purpose knives. It's not surprising that many U.S. servicemen brought them back with them. These knives are still inexpensive in online auctions, probably because there are so many around. They make handy camp knives, etc. and being so cheap and durable it does not matter too much if they get a few dings. They were made for use and not just for show.

Ian

27th April 2018, 10:01 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	I'm bringing this one back up to highlight another common blade form seen on Ilocano knives. This type has a "double-clip" profile on the spine of the blade: the spine starts out straight from the guard for a few inches, then has a distinct concave curve, followed by another concave curve that extends to the tip. In addition, the knife shown below has many other characteristic Ilocano traits: a full tang hilt with the tang peined over a plate (*), the carved out "pinky notch," the multifaceted grip (usually made of horn), a small metal ferrule and cross guard (usually brass), and a small bulge adjacent to the guard on the cutting edge. This "double-dip" or "double-clip" feature on the back of the blade is not unique to Ilocano knives. It is seen quite commonly, for example, on knives from old European carving sets. A similar blade is present on a 19th C. Sheffield carving set shown below for comparison. This blade form is seen not just on small Ilocano knives but also on sword length blades, an example of which is also shown. Ian. . Attached Images

18th March 2017, 06:39 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	Hi nirghosa: Yes, these are still found in major tourist centers around the country. When I was there in the 1990s and early 2000s they could be found in many "antique" stores, etc. Well made general purpose knives, and inexpensive as you say. Ian.

27th April 2018, 11:36 PM	#3
Treeslicer Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 65	Thanks for posting these, Ian! I have 3 of these, one marked "Negrito Bolo" (21" blade of the s-curve type), one unmarked long and wide "Bowie", and the "Montana mine shaft" bolo (marked "PM" and "Philippines") I recently posted in another thread, which seems quite similar to the last example in your latest post. All are differentially hardened, with brass fittings, and faceted horn plate-peened hilts. Excellent bush knives, to say the least.