Parang Ginah......for comment and information please

[katana]

Hi Gentlemen,
just won this..... a Parang Ginah.....a Malay weapon .....certainly useful for 'slaying' the undergrowth in your garden :p
In Tim's currency this cost (inc postage costs) 2 'fish suppers' and a pickled egg ;)
I get the impression that these are either categorised as a 'sword' or 'bi-functional' i.e. as a weapon/utility tool. It is 23" (58 cms approx) OAL. Not yet in my possession, only have the sellers pictures at present. The last pic is from the web.

Does anyone have any info...... are these particular to the Malay Region? How are they carried? I also found that these are not particularly common ...so can I assume it may have some age?

[Tim Simmons]

I say that is a bargin!! Even if it has a tool origin. Looks like it would make a good weapon. Would like to see pics when you have it. You could have mushy peas instead of the pickled egg but not here in the south.

[Battara]

I knew something was fishy! :D

[VVV]

Does anyone have any info...... are these particular to the Malay Region? How are they carried? I also found that these are not particularly common ...so can I assume it may have some age?

http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules.php?set_albumName=albup36&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[katana]

Thanks VVV, a very informative photo gallery :) Is it possible to date the Parang Ginah by the handle, blade or finial design ? Are they still easily found ?

Hi Tim, thanks for the comments ....I am very pleased to have acquired this piece. Strangely I dismissed this piece as an agricultural tool, which had been put in the sword/knife catergory(in eBay). However whilst searching for information on another members thread, I discovered a picture of a Parang Ginah.....and recognised it.

So, the lesson seems to be......when trying to help others you often end up 'helping' yourself ;)

[katana]

Received it, and gave it a clean.....forged blade heavily encrusted with rust, but still very sharp. A nice turned handle with age cracking :( Seems to have a ferrule where the blade is fixed. The handle seems alittle ornate for a 'working' tool especially the 'pommel detail' which seems alittle 'delicate'.