My Talibong collection
I now have six Talibong knives in my collection. This type of Filipino knife appears to have been a favorite souvenir of US servicemen stationed there since the early 1900s. They are the most common ethnographic knife I find here in the US at antique malls, flea markets, and gun shows. I have passed on several because the prices were way too high. Seems like dealers don't know anything about the knives and threw out a price they hoped would stick.
Mine range from a short knife length to the one on the far left that is a short sword. That Talibong might be the oldest one, and the blade is far better finished than the rest. All are chisel grind blades and hold a sharp edge. Handles have a variety of carving, and one has a replacement handle made of antler. Although not correct it does give my decent sized hand a better grip. I am just sharing my small collection but welcome any comments or further information.
Andrew
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