Something new for me.....a panabas !

[Freddy]

Just bought this piece from another forum member (thanks, Maurice ;) ).

As I know little about these weapons, I started a search, first on this forum. I noticed that these weapons were discussed several times. Then, I had a 'lookaround' on the internet. A lot of information there, too.

But...what about the shape of the blade ? I found out that there are different types of panabas, but where does my piece fit in ? Perhaps the more knowledgeable forum members could 'enlighten' me.

My panabas has a total length of 76,5 cm. The blade itself measures 26,5 cm. The handle consists of two pieces of wood held together with 6 iron bands (5 at the top to secure the blade and one at the bottom.
Total weight is about 800 gr.

The cutting edge of the blade is on the long curved side.

Please look at the pics and give my your 'much valued' opinion.

Freddy

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding009-10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding010-9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding012-7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding011-10.jpg

[Freddy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding013-8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding014-5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding016-3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding015-3.jpg

[Rick]

Certainly no expert speaking here; but that's first one
of that profile that I have seen .

Nice with good age .

[Battara]

Unusual form - a form of battle panabas?

[Freddy]

That's my problem. I couldn't find a similar one on the net. It's quite heavy and would do the job in battle. But, don't you think a bigger blade would be more suitable ? :shrug:

[Lew]

That's my problem. I couldn't find a similar one on the net. It's quite heavy and would do the job in battle. But, don't you think a bigger blade would be more suitable ? :shrug:

Freddy
How long is the blade? I feel that the longer bladed examples were the real combat ones where as the smaller ones are more for everyday use.

[Bill M]

Well made and has good age. Very unusual blade shape. Never seen one like it. I would lean toward it being an agricultural piece, Like Lew said.

Would like dimensions. Blade and handle length.

I have several with similar handles, but more traditional blades. Handle is not unusual for panabas.

[Freddy]

Total length is : 76,5 cm (30,6 inches)

Length of blade is : 26,5 cm (10,6 inches)

Near the base of the blade, the thickness is 6 mm (0,24 inch). The blade then tapers towards the point, but gets thicker again about 6 cm (2,5 inches) from that point. Look at the pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding017-3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding018-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Afbeelding019-3.jpg

[Lew]

At 10.5 inches I would say more tool than weapon but in a pinch I am sure it would come in handy ;)