Borneo(?) Parang
 

Hello All,

Some time ago I was fortunate enough to secure this rather nice Parang which I am confident originates from Borneo. My assumption is based mainly on the carvings, which are very similar to those illustrated by Banks (Sea Dayak Carving). I am, of course, no expert and am happy to entertain another origin if sufficient evidence can be provided.

The only other similar example I have been able to find on the forum is this one:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...y+type+panabas

In that thread there was some discussion of these being a Moro weapon/tool, which doesn't sit well with my (albeit limited) knowledge. I would greatly appreciate forum members' thoughts.

Details:
Overall length = 63.5 cm
Blade length = 45 cm
Blade thickness = 7 mm (at ferrule)

Cheers, Russel

I should also mention the (yet again) extraordinary work Robert did in bringing this Parang back to life. It was in quite a sorry state when purchased, as usual Robert did an amazing job. Following are a couple of images prior to his efforts.

Not my area really, but I like it - great carving to the sheath. :)

Hello Russel,

what a great find! Can't help with a name and know this type of sword also only from the thread you provided.

Great work from Robert as always, how he has repaired the nicks in the edge?

Regards,
Detlef

Not often you see the scabbards for these.

There were and are still Moros on the east and north east of Borneo. This type of ukkil could easily be Moro.

That baffles me a bit as well. :shrug:

I'm mechanical engineer but still I cannot fathom how were the repairs to the blade done?! :confused:

Wow!

PS: Who is Robert? Is he some kind of magician who can make steel grow back?! :shrug:

Beautiful sword !!! The engraved sheath is marvellous !!
Maybe the blade has been cut? ?
Best regards
Carlos

The blade's edge was not ground down or the tip reprofiled. The nicks in the blade as well as the broken tip were welded back by the use of both mig and tig welding and the use of heatsink paste. As I have already promised Detlef a line drawing showing how this was accomplished if anyone else is interested I will also post the drawing here as well. Please remember this procedure it not one to be taken on by anyone who is not an accomplished welder in both methods that I have mentioned and can easily result in damaging the blade even more or its complete ruin if not done properly. Thank you all for your kind words in reference to my work.

Best,
Robert

Close-ups
 

Before:

Close-ups
 

After:

WOW!

I am familiar with the procedures you described but I still couldn't fathom that you can achieve this level of precision. What you did is way beyond norm in the craft and, in my oppinion goes more in the field of art.

Thank you very much for sharing with us the secrets of your "magic"!!! :)

Congratulations for this magnificent piece and for the equally magnificent restoration work!

Thank you for sharing it with us!

:)

I second this! :) :cool: :eek:

Congratulations, great job of restoration and beautiful parang.

Little question :
I've 2 cracked blades of the cutting until 2/3 of its width.
With a similar technique would it be possible to re-weld the cracks?

Have a look here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21903

I would say yes. Russel's fine work and technique on this steel is the only way outside of reforging that would work.

A much lesser technique would be brazing, but that would truly weaken the blade in comparison to this.

Hi Jose,

it's Robert's fine work and not Russel's. Just for clarification. :)

Best regards,
Detlef

hmmmm, well, it still looks like witchcraft to me... ;)

I'm with David on this one.

Amazing piece, amazing restoration, and really, just amazing all round.

Have fun,
Leif

Robert don't you have a degree from Hogwarts? :D

WOW! I have never seen a blade restored liked that! Very impressive!...not to mention a lovely piece!

This wonderfull restoration draws the attention a bit from the original question. :)

is this a Moro / Sea dayak combi ?
I have never seen this before. I agree on the carvings.

I hope Maurice and Michael can give their opinion ?

Best regards,
Willem

Mr. Robert,

you are a magician. I saw some of your jobs on Detlefs swords and this is not exaggerated, I often have an open mouth "how could he do this, amazing, gigantic!"

Again a great restoration, you are my hero and I wish I could have only 10% of your skills.

Absolutely fantastic!


Best wishes,
Roland