Finally...Central Luzon origin

Rafngard · 24th February 2018, 08:49 PM

Thank you both for you comments. The guard is definitely aluminum, and the hilt and scabbard are definitely horn.

Thanks,
Leif

Ian · 23rd June 2018, 01:44 AM

This is another characteristic knife from Apalit and has a little more carving on the hilt than usual. On this one the pommel has been carved in the likeness of the head of a water buffalo (carabao). Dated 1945, the wooden scabbard shows a "toe" similar to other examples here.

These are the dealer's pics. I will post better ones after it arrives.

Ian.

Ian · 13th July 2018, 08:31 AM

Here are additional pictures of the knife that I mentioned in the previous post. The thickness of the blade is only 1/8 inch just in front of the guard, and this is much thinner than the usual sturdy knives from Apalit. The metal disk guard is also unusual for an Apalit knfe. The septagonal-faceted hilt and characteristic pommel are similar to the plainer versions seen on most Apalit hilts.

The maker's mark at forte appears to be an "E" struck over an "M."

From the level of decoration on this one I would say it was probably made for sale to a foreigner.

.

Ian · 13th July 2018, 08:56 AM

And here are some carabao heads and a profile of same for comparison. Some carabao have horns and others have had them removed or are juveniles.

.

wildwolberine · 2nd December 2023, 07:45 PM

I’m adding this recently acquired example to this older thread. It’s stamped APALIT like Ian’s example, with the number 53 on the other side. No scabbard. (Well, it came with a machete sheath from Belize that coincidentally fits the blade &#128514

Is there agreement that this is a butcher knife, and is there a local name?

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=Butcher+knife

http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?p=226178

Ian · 5th December 2023, 02:57 AM

The identification of a butcher's knife is not firmly established. It was a comment to me by someone who knows little about knives but lives in the province next to Pampanga. I would not take it as a definitive ID. I have not heard a specific name for this style.

Gavin Nugent · 5th December 2023, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwolberine

Is there agreement that this is a butcher knife, and is there a local name?

I'm intrigued how far and wide Spanish colonial influences spread across various occupied countries and form followed, how it followed along timelines I am unsure though.

This one you have reminds me of a Corvo sub type from Chile.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...69&postcount=1

Is there substantial knowledge about this type from Chile and what it was used for? It may offer insights if function follows form.

Ian · 5th December 2023, 06:23 AM

Hi Gavin,

Interesting thoughts. The Philippines had strong ties to Mexico. Several Spanish governors of the Philippines came from Mexico. I have not heard of ties to Spanish colonial interests in South America, but it is possible.

23rd June 2018, 01:44 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	This is another characteristic knife from Apalit and has a little more carving on the hilt than usual. On this one the pommel has been carved in the likeness of the head of a water buffalo (carabao). Dated 1945, the wooden scabbard shows a "toe" similar to other examples here. These are the dealer's pics. I will post better ones after it arrives. Ian. Attached Images

13th July 2018, 08:31 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	Here are additional pictures of the knife that I mentioned in the previous post. The thickness of the blade is only 1/8 inch just in front of the guard, and this is much thinner than the usual sturdy knives from Apalit. The metal disk guard is also unusual for an Apalit knfe. The septagonal-faceted hilt and characteristic pommel are similar to the plainer versions seen on most Apalit hilts. The maker's mark at forte appears to be an "E" struck over an "M." From the level of decoration on this one I would say it was probably made for sale to a foreigner. . Attached Images

13th July 2018, 08:56 AM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	And here are some carabao heads and a profile of same for comparison. Some carabao have horns and others have had them removed or are juveniles. . Attached Images

2nd December 2023, 07:45 PM	#5
wildwolberine Member Join Date: May 2023 Location: San Antonio Posts: 110	I’m adding this recently acquired example to this older thread. It’s stamped APALIT like Ian’s example, with the number 53 on the other side. No scabbard. (Well, it came with a machete sheath from Belize that coincidentally fits the blade &#128514 Is there agreement that this is a butcher knife, and is there a local name? http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=Butcher+knife http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?p=226178 Attached Images Last edited by wildwolberine; 2nd December 2023 at 11:25 PM.

24th February 2018, 08:49 PM	#1
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 340	Thank you both for you comments. The guard is definitely aluminum, and the hilt and scabbard are definitely horn. Thanks, Leif

5th December 2023, 02:57 AM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	The identification of a butcher's knife is not firmly established. It was a comment to me by someone who knows little about knives but lives in the province next to Pampanga. I would not take it as a definitive ID. I have not heard a specific name for this style.

5th December 2023, 06:23 AM	#8
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	Hi Gavin, Interesting thoughts. The Philippines had strong ties to Mexico. Several Spanish governors of the Philippines came from Mexico. I have not heard of ties to Spanish colonial interests in South America, but it is possible.