Filipino Traditional Blades--a brief review (part I)

[Ian]

Binangon/Binakuko

"Binangon" Maasin, Iloilo

More commonly known as "Binakuko" in other islands.

The most important bolo type manufactured by the Badiangan blacksmiths are

• Binakuko for chopping wood;
• Sinuwak for carpentry and cutting shrubs and smaller trees;
• Ginunting having the same function as the Sinuwak;
  
• Pinuti for slicing meat;
• Tangkap for kitchen use;
• Linamay, Surot, and Balintawak are used in gardening;
• Kayog is used to harvest rice; and
• Wasay used to chop lumber and bigger trees.

Bolos are made by hand with blades made from recycled steel.