Asking about a blade

[surgi-sharp]

I'm not sure what this is called. 10 or 15 years ago I bought a knife but it came to me without the handle. I just put it away for years. What is your advice on it?
Thanks

[ariel]

Google Mandau.

[kronckew]

...or dyak.


A proper grip will cost a lot. probably worth it tho.

[ariel]

A question from a total ignoramus: what is so special about this blade to justify “a lot” of money for a good or decent hilt?
Also, there are a lot of full mandaus ( blade, hilt, scabbard) on e-bay for modest prices.

[David]

I don't think that is a mandau Ariel. Mandau are concave on one side of the blade and convex on the other. This blade appears to be flat.

[kai]

Tough to tell from the pics, David - you might be correct that this blade might have both sides convex: () or flat: \/ while a traditional mandau exhibits a convex+concave blade: )). (The former blade configurations would usually come by other names.)

At this very basic level of contemporary workmanship, it might not make any difference though: it seems to be a quite recent trinket for either dancing/shows or sale, I'm afraid.

IMHO, it does not make any sense to invest in completing it.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Ariel,

Also, there are a lot of full mandaus ( blade, hilt, scabbard) on e-bay for modest prices.
These are almost always modern pieces; antique ones will usually result in fairly high bids.

Genuine antique examples come in a wide variety of quality; the high-end examples will command top prices compared to many SEA blades...

Regards,
Kai