Philippines Bolo and dagger

Ian · 4th December 2023, 01:47 AM

Hello AHite.

These look like Central Luzon knives and both are likely to come from the Province of Pampanga (quite close to the jungle training school and former U.S. Naval and Air Force Bases). The wood sheath on the bottom one is of a style commonly seen from the town of Apalit.

Both hilts seem to have been customized, possibly by the original maker according to customer specs. The base plate on the hilt of the top one is oversized for the hilt. The hilt on the bottom one has been pinned, which is not the traditional construction on Apalit knives.

Regards,

Ian

The JEST school (Jungle Environment Survival Training) is in the adjacent Province of Zambales, on the Bataan Peninsula. In the mid-20th C, until the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, this general area was home to a large number of U.S. service men and women. These types of knives were common bring back items. They are usually sturdy and reliable knives.

AHite · 4th December 2023, 01:09 PM

Thanks for your information! The former owner mentioned that the marks on the dagger handle were made by his knife. Wasn't sure what he meant then but now I think he did some of his own customizing on it.

4th December 2023, 01:47 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,167	Hello AHite. These look like Central Luzon knives and both are likely to come from the Province of Pampanga (quite close to the jungle training school and former U.S. Naval and Air Force Bases). The wood sheath on the bottom one is of a style commonly seen from the town of Apalit. Both hilts seem to have been customized, possibly by the original maker according to customer specs. The base plate on the hilt of the top one is oversized for the hilt. The hilt on the bottom one has been pinned, which is not the traditional construction on Apalit knives. Regards, Ian The JEST school (Jungle Environment Survival Training) is in the adjacent Province of Zambales, on the Bataan Peninsula. In the mid-20th C, until the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, this general area was home to a large number of U.S. service men and women. These types of knives were common bring back items. They are usually sturdy and reliable knives. Last edited by Ian; 4th December 2023 at 02:01 AM.

4th December 2023, 01:09 PM	#2
AHite Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 45	Thanks for your information! The former owner mentioned that the marks on the dagger handle were made by his knife. Wasn't sure what he meant then but now I think he did some of his own customizing on it.