Re: Brunei Armed Forces Kris

Mickey the Finn · 20th February 2022, 11:44 PM

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Not a keris, per se, but interesting just the same. The full article, and the original source of the posted photo can be viewed at:
https://www.tactical-life.com/tactic...d-forces-kris/

The article states, "The blade is of 420 stainless with a black Fluoralon coating on the example I have. Polished stainless versions are available as well".

The article does not disclose where the Brunei Armed Forces Kris may be obtained. If anyone has more information, a PM would be appreciated.

Mickey

David · 21st February 2022, 12:22 AM

Well, this reviewer (if that is what this is), seems pretty confused in a few fronts.

"When I first heard about the Brunei Armed Forces Knife, I was immediately anxious to learn more about it. The knife itself is a modern take on the traditional Malay kris. Many who have only seen the cheap bazaar samples of the kris brought back from World War II, normally with loose handles and blades worn from much cleaning, may find it difficult to think of it as a serious military blade. But remember, the kris killed a lot of U.S. troops during the Philippine Insurrection (though this type of knife is often known as a “kalis” in the Philippines). Although many think of the kris as having the wavy blade, there are also those with a straight blade. Both types are intended primarily for thrusting."
When I first heard about the Brunei Armed Forces Knife, I was immediately anxious to learn more about it. The knife itself is a modern take on the traditional Malay kris. Many who have only seen the cheap bazaar samples of the kris brought back from World War II, normally with loose handles and blades worn from much cleaning, may find it difficult to think of it as a serious military blade. But remember, the kris killed a lot of U.S. troops during the Philippine Insurrection (though this type of knife is often known as a “kalis” in the Philippines). Although many think of the kris as having the wavy blade, there are also those with a straight blade. Both types are intended primarily for thrusting."

Firstly he assumes this is a modern take on the "Malay kris". He then goes on to show he is obviously confused about the difference between the Malay keris and the Moro kris. I would imagine that this is probably a short form take on the Moro kris. He also shows little understanding of the Malay keris when he cites their "Loose handles and blades worn by cleaning" and refers to them and "cheap".
All that said, this is a mass-produced blade, even if it is loosely based upon an ethnographic form so it's a bit outside our bailiwick. I would recommend that you best bet if you are having trouble finding this for sale somewhere would be to contact the folks who wrote the article rather than asking a group of ethnographic weapons collectors.

kronckew · 21st February 2022, 02:14 PM

Interesting that the photo in the OP's ref. link of the Philippine Armed Forces use of the kris/kalis is actually of their Marines using their ginuntings, with their cross guard and knuckle bow...The photo file title also lists it as Phil Mar Reco (Philippine Marine Recon). A whole other kettle of fish. A 'tactical' black version below (they also come in polished and longer and also guardless or knucklebowless versions. No Brunei connection. Marketing puffing?

Ian · 21st February 2022, 02:16 PM

This is a modern knife. I have no clear confirmation it is a Brunei Army knife. The shield labeled "BRUNEI" alone doesn't persuade me. Even so, it is not our habit to discuss current military arms in this forum, so I'm sending it over to the Ethnographic Miscellaneous Forum for any further discussion.

Battara · 22nd February 2022, 02:18 AM

I must admit, this one had me scratching my head when I saw it.

20th February 2022, 11:44 PM	#1
Mickey the Finn Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 90	Re: Brunei Armed Forces Kris Not a keris, per se, but interesting just the same. The full article, and the original source of the posted photo can be viewed at: https://www.tactical-life.com/tactic...d-forces-kris/ The article states, "The blade is of 420 stainless with a black Fluoralon coating on the example I have. Polished stainless versions are available as well". The article does not disclose where the Brunei Armed Forces Kris may be obtained. If anyone has more information, a PM would be appreciated. Mickey

21st February 2022, 02:14 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,184	Interesting that the photo in the OP's ref. link of the Philippine Armed Forces use of the kris/kalis is actually of their Marines using their ginuntings, with their cross guard and knuckle bow...The photo file title also lists it as Phil Mar Reco (Philippine Marine Recon). A whole other kettle of fish. A 'tactical' black version below (they also come in polished and longer and also guardless or knucklebowless versions. No Brunei connection. Marketing puffing? Attached Images Last edited by kronckew; 21st February 2022 at 02:38 PM.

21st February 2022, 12:22 AM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,127	Well, this reviewer (if that is what this is), seems pretty confused in a few fronts. "When I first heard about the Brunei Armed Forces Knife, I was immediately anxious to learn more about it. The knife itself is a modern take on the traditional Malay kris. Many who have only seen the cheap bazaar samples of the kris brought back from World War II, normally with loose handles and blades worn from much cleaning, may find it difficult to think of it as a serious military blade. But remember, the kris killed a lot of U.S. troops during the Philippine Insurrection (though this type of knife is often known as a “kalis” in the Philippines). Although many think of the kris as having the wavy blade, there are also those with a straight blade. Both types are intended primarily for thrusting." When I first heard about the Brunei Armed Forces Knife, I was immediately anxious to learn more about it. The knife itself is a modern take on the traditional Malay kris. Many who have only seen the cheap bazaar samples of the kris brought back from World War II, normally with loose handles and blades worn from much cleaning, may find it difficult to think of it as a serious military blade. But remember, the kris killed a lot of U.S. troops during the Philippine Insurrection (though this type of knife is often known as a “kalis” in the Philippines). Although many think of the kris as having the wavy blade, there are also those with a straight blade. Both types are intended primarily for thrusting." Firstly he assumes this is a modern take on the "Malay kris". He then goes on to show he is obviously confused about the difference between the Malay keris and the Moro kris. I would imagine that this is probably a short form take on the Moro kris. He also shows little understanding of the Malay keris when he cites their "Loose handles and blades worn by cleaning" and refers to them and "cheap". All that said, this is a mass-produced blade, even if it is loosely based upon an ethnographic form so it's a bit outside our bailiwick. I would recommend that you best bet if you are having trouble finding this for sale somewhere would be to contact the folks who wrote the article rather than asking a group of ethnographic weapons collectors.

21st February 2022, 02:16 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,204	This is a modern knife. I have no clear confirmation it is a Brunei Army knife. The shield labeled "BRUNEI" alone doesn't persuade me. Even so, it is not our habit to discuss current military arms in this forum, so I'm sending it over to the Ethnographic Miscellaneous Forum for any further discussion.

22nd February 2022, 02:18 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	I must admit, this one had me scratching my head when I saw it.