Klewang for opinions

ariel · 28th June 2005, 04:28 AM

Just ended on e-bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
The blade reminds me of Chinese Da dao.
The handle is new to me: very interesting combination of leather and intricately arranged wire.
What is it and where is it from?

Lew · 28th June 2005, 04:41 AM

Ariel

That klewang seems to be a modified European made machete.

Lew

Ian · 28th June 2005, 05:41 AM

I agree with Lew.

This looks very much like a reworked machete. The full width, full tang contruction and riveted handle slabs would be consistent with a European machete. Likewise the leather scabbard does not seem very SE Asian -- wood would be much more typical.

Went for a fairly high price for a machete. Perhaps someone else had an idea it was something different.

As far as the wire wrap is concerned this looks a little like southern Philippines work, such as seen on some kris hilts.

Ian.

ariel · 28th June 2005, 09:41 AM

I see what you mean: the body of the blade is fairly neat but the last quarter (the "tip") bears signs of hammering. Should have noticed it myself! Very perceptive, Lew and Ian!
The wire work is pretty, no matter what.

Tim Simmons · 28th June 2005, 07:35 PM

It has been made into a very nice piece, good scabbard. I wonder where it comes from. Tim

Rick · 28th June 2005, 07:55 PM

I'd say it was African . When was the last time anyone saw a leather covered hilt from Indo ?

Copper wire and leather ... hmmm .

Tim Simmons · 28th June 2005, 08:16 PM

That was what I was thinking, the scabbard looks very West African. I like it. Tim

Lew · 28th June 2005, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

I'd say it was African . When was the last time anyone saw a leather covered hilt from Indo ?

Copper wire and leather ... hmmm .

It's interesting I had an old dha that had a similar circular design in rattan on the scabbard compared with the wire thats on the hilt of this machete.

Lew

28th June 2005, 04:28 AM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Klewang for opinions Just ended on e-bay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1 The blade reminds me of Chinese Da dao. The handle is new to me: very interesting combination of leather and intricately arranged wire. What is it and where is it from?

28th June 2005, 04:41 AM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Ariel That klewang seems to be a modified European made machete. Lew

28th June 2005, 05:41 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,197	I agree with Lew. This looks very much like a reworked machete. The full width, full tang contruction and riveted handle slabs would be consistent with a European machete. Likewise the leather scabbard does not seem very SE Asian -- wood would be much more typical. Went for a fairly high price for a machete. Perhaps someone else had an idea it was something different. As far as the wire wrap is concerned this looks a little like southern Philippines work, such as seen on some kris hilts. Ian.

28th June 2005, 09:41 AM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I see what you mean: the body of the blade is fairly neat but the last quarter (the "tip") bears signs of hammering. Should have noticed it myself! Very perceptive, Lew and Ian! The wire work is pretty, no matter what.

28th June 2005, 07:35 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	It has been made into a very nice piece, good scabbard. I wonder where it comes from. Tim

28th June 2005, 07:55 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,291	I'd say it was African . When was the last time anyone saw a leather covered hilt from Indo ? Copper wire and leather ... hmmm .

28th June 2005, 08:16 PM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	That was what I was thinking, the scabbard looks very West African. I like it. Tim