What is it?

[mross]

I was browsing ebay and this caught my eye and I won it, but what exactly is it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140140667745


I'm pretty sure it's not a kukri. :) It looks like a working knife but I have no idea as to province, looks like it could be from the Philippines. What do you all think?

[David]

It is most definitely from the Philippines, i would guess from the northern regions and you will probably run into much debate as to what to call it exactly. :rolleyes: :)
.... maybe it's a sundang ;) :rolleyes: :D

[josh stout]

I was browsing ebay and this caught my eye and I won it, but what exactly is it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140140667745


I'm pretty sure it's not a kukri. :) It looks like a working knife but I have no idea as to province, looks like it could be from the Phillipines. What do you all think?


Yeah, I think it is a talibon from the Philippines, but there are so many small variations in styles that I don't know for sure. Probably someone with more knowledge will help you out soon.
Josh

[Lew]

If you look the tang is peened through the hilt. My guess is that it is from Batangas I would not consider it a talibon this looks more like a worker than a fighter. I would think this is a bolo and not a talibon.

Lew

[kai]

Congrats, good grab!

If you look the tang is peened through the hilt. My guess is that it is from Batangas
Possibly a good guess: peened tang points to Luzon; round ferrule is atypical though and seems to suggest southern influences.

this looks more like a worker than a fighter.
Nah, no "banana knife" as related by the seller - I bet the balance will prove this to be a really nice fighting blade! I'd keep my banana out of reach for sure... ;) :rolleyes:

Regards,
Kai

[Lew]

OK let me clarify. Most if not all bolos pull double duty as both a utility/worker and if need be a fighter. Most talibon are strictly offensive weapons and not meant to be used as utility knives.

Lew

[kai]

Hello Lew,

I wasn't assuming you were referring to the seller's blurb. However, the working bolos tend to be much more basic than blades primarily intended as weapons. The edge of the former is also less hardened AFAIK.

Here are some related examples from Luzon:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1735
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1699

Despite the differences in blade shape, they are fast, lively blades. While my example has a blade shape which is closest to a utility bolo, there are no signs of wear from daily chores...

Regards,
Kai

[Lew]

Kai

These are two of mine and I consider them working bolos the one on top is similar to yours.


Lew

[Battara]

I would also put this piece at around WWII.