Do Parang Naburs have laminated blades?
 

Just got this parang nabur. I like it a lot but it seems to be a quite average version.

Now my question is - do these have laminated blades in general?

On the back I can see muliple layers in some places and also on the blade itself.

I looked at all the older posts about PN's and found one with pamor but that was a doubtful blade looking at the reactions. This blade is original IMHO and certainly arrived in Holland before 1940.

Hope to hear your experience on this.

Regards, Erik

Its a beautiful weapon. I'm not familiar with the construction of these, but I'd have thought it a prime candidate for a gentle etch!
hardened edge?

Nice Piece,

Of the few I have handled, I have encountered all having an inserted edge.

Gav

Hello Erik,

Just a few observations. Michael is our resident expert on Negara weapons - hope he'll chime in.

The fittings are above average and the blade appears to be quite long - most Beladah Belabang have blades just over 20 inches.


Yes, your blade should be laminated with hardened edge. However, in most BB blades the contrast seems to be very low (less than in, say, many Aceh blades). OTOH, I can't remember anyone giving these an intentional etch; so, there may be something hidden in some of these...


If I remember the same piece, that looked downright cheesy IMHO.


Yes, I'd also guess at 1900-1940 for this BB.

Regards,
Kai

Hi Kai, Thanks for the extensive answer!

I started looking into info on these and got a page from a book by Schmeltz about these weapons. Mine seems to be almost identical to the one pictured there. The book is from 1892/94 I think so my guess was that this BB or PN was from that time or older.

Is there any more info around?
When did they appear and untill when were they used?

Here is the picture I meant from 1892/94 in the text by Schmeltz.

Regards, Erik