Klewang for opinions

[ariel]

Just ended on e-bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3980832353&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
The blade reminds me of Chinese Da dao.
The handle is new to me: very interesting combination of leather and intricately arranged wire.
What is it and where is it from?

[Lew]

Ariel

That klewang seems to be a modified European made machete.


Lew

[Ian]

I agree with Lew.

This looks very much like a reworked machete. The full width, full tang contruction and riveted handle slabs would be consistent with a European machete. Likewise the leather scabbard does not seem very SE Asian -- wood would be much more typical.

Went for a fairly high price for a machete. Perhaps someone else had an idea it was something different.

As far as the wire wrap is concerned this looks a little like southern Philippines work, such as seen on some kris hilts.

Ian.

[ariel]

I see what you mean: the body of the blade is fairly neat but the last quarter (the "tip") bears signs of hammering. Should have noticed it myself! Very perceptive, Lew and Ian!
The wire work is pretty, no matter what.

[Tim Simmons]

It has been made into a very nice piece, good scabbard. I wonder where it comes from. Tim

[Rick]

I'd say it was African . When was the last time anyone saw a leather covered hilt from Indo ?

Copper wire and leather ... hmmm .

[Tim Simmons]

That was what I was thinking, the scabbard looks very West African. I like it. Tim

[Lew]

I'd say it was African . When was the last time anyone saw a leather covered hilt from Indo ?

Copper wire and leather ... hmmm .

It's interesting I had an old dha that had a similar circular design in rattan on the scabbard compared with the wire thats on the hilt of this machete.

Lew