Strange knife

[corrado26]

I saw this knife offered by a French dealer some weeks ago and found t very interesting although I did'nt know what it was. Nevertheless I bought it hoping that there are some people here with the necessary knowledge.
Thanks in advance
corrado26

[Rick]

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3874&highlight=bendo

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21948

[corrado26]

ok, now I know what this is and I have to say many thanks to you. But what I still don't know is for which purpose those knifes have been made?
corrado26

[Sajen]

But what I still don't know is for which purpose those knifes have been made?

I think this are utility knives. :shrug:

[Sajen]

Just have a look inside "Traditional Weapons Of The Indonesian Archipelago" from Albert G. van Zonneveld, page 34. This choppers are described here as Bendo and it is written: "A machete in the shape of an axe, mainly used for harvesting the aren palm." And further more: "The short, broad and heavy blade serves this purpose excellently."
Hope this answer your question.

Regards,
Detlef

Add information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arenga_pinnata

[corrado26]

Hi Detlef,

thanks a lot for your very informative answer
corrado26

[corrado26]

On the blade of my bendo is at the right side a makers(?) mark, which is unknown to me. Under a sign that reminds me a little bit of the Playboy mark are the letters "GMD", "GWD" or "CMD/CWD". Does anybody know this mark?
Thanks
corrado26

[Sajen]

Does anybody know this mark?

No, I don't know this mark, it will be the one from a local blacksmith in Sunda. Your example look very recent to my eyes (Would like to see better pictures ;) ), I've seen similar marks only by more recent pieces. Cf. with my very recent example.

Regards,
Detlef

[corrado26]

(Would like to see better pictures ;)

Here they are

[Sajen]

Here they are

Thank you! Like I guess, very recent IMVHO, can you give the measurements? I guess very similar to my example from this time frame which is a little bit over 30 cm long.

[corrado26]

Blade is 100x 66mm, total length without scabbard is 225mm, with scabbard 226mm, total weight is 288g
Thanks
corrado26

[Sajen]

Thank you! Very small. :eek:

Regards,
Detlef