An Indonesian Mystery Knife

[CharlesS]

Here is an interesting Indonesian mystery knife whose hilt appears Sumatran(???), but with a strange downturned, diamond-sectioned, blade of about 10 inches.

Any ideas as to a more precise origin, or its use???

Among Indo Persian weapons kards are occasionally found with distinctly downturned blades.

Could both have a korambi, claw-like, use??

[VVV]

That's a nice but strange blade.
Maybe it could also be Peninsular Malay?
Do you think the sheath is original?
The blade somehow reminds me of a Jambiya, even if it's longer and more slim.

Michael

[fearn]

Something similar just popped up on the Discovery Channel (Fightquest, doing Pencak Silat). Could it be a kuku macan?

F

[CharlesS]

I am not familiar with a kuku macan....can you give any references??

[Rick]

Valiant's interpretation .
http://www.valiantco.com/sumatra/i-KukuMacan.JPG

[fearn]

Thanks Rick.

I'm not familiar with it either. I just looked up from doing paperwork, and there was a martial artist swinging one around. My impression is that the one from Valiant (and the one on the TV show) were single-edged blades, so it's not an exact match. Still, it's a starting place.

F

[Rick]

Two edges are better than one ? ;)

[VVV]

I think you found it, Fearn.
Here is a "semi-old" Kuku Rimau/Kuku Macan from the Lampung-area as a comparison.
Mine is single-edged and used like a Jambiya/Korambit when fighting.

Michael

[CharlesS]

Very interesting ...thanks!

I suppose this just helps confirm that Zonneveld.....or, indeed, VVV could do a Volume 2 on Indonesian weapons.