Classic Talibon Hilt w/Atypical Blade
 

Hi All,

Well, almost classic style hilt since it doesn’t have the rattan ferrule found on classic hilts. Normally, I would say that the ferrule is just missing on my example but the part that would go under the ferrule has the same smooth finish and octagonal cross section as the rest of the hilt. That seems like an awful lot of work to go through just to be covered up with a ferrule. Also, a smooth octagonal cross section doesn’t seem to be the best design for keeping a rattan binding in place. I have looked at the area with a hand lens and can find no ghost indicating that a rattan (or metal for that matter) ferrule was ever there. The patina of the wood in the area in question matches the rest of the hilt. Could it be that this example never had a ferrule? The blade shape is clearly for a primarily slashing weapon. Would a hilt without a ferrule hold up under use?
Not that I’m complaining, because I find the blade to be exceptionally graceful and has a patina so fine that, in this rare instance, I intend to leave it as is, but I have never seen this type of blade paired with a classic talibon style hilt. Has anyone else seen one (or better yet have an example to show)? My blade has a chisel grind and measures 20.125” (about 51 cm) long. The spine is just a hair under 3/8” (about 9.53cm) thick at the hilt. No sheath,

Sincerely,
RobT

This is an unusual blade, but in standing with Visayan grinding. Nice hilt carving too - very traditional.

Thanks for posting this variant.

Ferrule Opinions Still Wanted
 

Battara,

Glad you like it. What I’m really wondering is, if I have to learn to weave a rattan ferrule, if perhaps this example never had a ferrule at all, or if it could possibly have had a metal ferrule. In my initial post, I gave reasons pro and con for the existence of a ferrule but I forgot one reason for there having been one at some time. That long, featureless octagonal area makes the hilt look slightly unbalanced. Hopefully others will weigh in on this matter.

Sincerely,
RobT

Really nice sundang! I believe that one comes from Leyte, likely late 1800s.

I vote to leave the "absent" ferrule as is :)

Sundang, Not Talibon?
 

Xasterix,

You say it’s a really nice sundang. I am happy to agree with you that it is really nice and am glad you like it but could you explain to me why it’s a sundang rather than a talibon. I was basing my ID on the hilt but, if it’s an entirely different piece altogether, then my question as to whether or not it had a ferrule has to be based on what it actually is and whether sundangs always had ferrules (hopefully they didn’t because I would prefer not to have to make one…especially a rattan one).

Sincerely,
RobT