Identifying an Indonesian Dagger

CharlesS · 29th June 2009, 03:50 PM

Here is an interesting Indonesian dagger. The blade is likely early 20th Cent., while the dress is later. The quality curved pamor blade, featuring a wide fuller, is the primary point of interest.

At first glance one is tempted to call it a "badik"/"badek", but I am not so sure it really meets the requirements to be a badik. In many ways it handles and feels more like a jambiya, with a curved, heavy blade, and a much more shallow curve to the hilt than is typical of a badik. It is held as comfortably with the bottom edge out, like a jambiya, as it is with bottom edge down. This feature certainly is not characteristic of a badik.

Any comments, suggestions, or references to a more correct name for this piece would be much appreciated.

Rick · 29th June 2009, 05:34 PM

The blade resembles a certain type of gunong blade; just stretched a bit .

The silver reminds me of Malay/Bugis work .

I have a feeling the handle is of a very special material; Akar Bahar perhaps ?

Sajen · 29th June 2009, 06:23 PM

Hi Charles,
I would call it a atypical badik. Maybe someone reshaped a badik blade and give the dagger a new dress.

It's a very nice item. What do you think which material is the handle?

sajen

CharlesS · 30th June 2009, 07:33 PM

Beyond just saying "horn", I don't know much about the hilt. I had assumed it was water buffalo, but now that you mention it, it does not have that look really. It is darker with some white-ish lines..

tunggulametung · 30th June 2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

.....with some white-ish lines..

On the other hand, this could be a good indication of buffalo horn

Battara · 30th June 2009, 09:38 PM

I agree with tunggulamentung. I have seen some buffalo horn with whitish streaks before. This looks water buffalo to me.

CharlesS · 1st July 2009, 02:23 AM

Thanks guys.

29th June 2009, 03:50 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Identifying an Indonesian Dagger Here is an interesting Indonesian dagger. The blade is likely early 20th Cent., while the dress is later. The quality curved pamor blade, featuring a wide fuller, is the primary point of interest. At first glance one is tempted to call it a "badik"/"badek", but I am not so sure it really meets the requirements to be a badik. In many ways it handles and feels more like a jambiya, with a curved, heavy blade, and a much more shallow curve to the hilt than is typical of a badik. It is held as comfortably with the bottom edge out, like a jambiya, as it is with bottom edge down. This feature certainly is not characteristic of a badik. Any comments, suggestions, or references to a more correct name for this piece would be much appreciated. Attached Images

29th June 2009, 05:34 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	The blade resembles a certain type of gunong blade; just stretched a bit . The silver reminds me of Malay/Bugis work . I have a feeling the handle is of a very special material; Akar Bahar perhaps ?

29th June 2009, 06:23 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,791	Hi Charles, I would call it a atypical badik. Maybe someone reshaped a badik blade and give the dagger a new dress. It's a very nice item. What do you think which material is the handle? sajen

30th June 2009, 07:33 PM	#4
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Beyond just saying "horn", I don't know much about the hilt. I had assumed it was water buffalo, but now that you mention it, it does not have that look really. It is darker with some white-ish lines..

30th June 2009, 09:38 PM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	I agree with tunggulamentung. I have seen some buffalo horn with whitish streaks before. This looks water buffalo to me.

1st July 2009, 02:23 AM	#7
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Thanks guys.