Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Ilocano Knives (Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines)

F. de Luzon · 2nd June 2018, 08:07 AM

I visited the Ilocos Region recently. One of the places known for producing knives there is the town of Santa in the Province of Ilocos Sur. The trademark pommel of Santa knives is the soldier's head but they also make the more common pommel designs. I found these knives from Santa in the public market of the City of Vigan (around 10 km from Santa). Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I included a photo to give an idea what it's like to be there.

These knives are farm tools but they can still be effective weapons. I was told that they are made of recycled leaf spring but manufactured through the traditional process. The hilt is made of carabao horn and the sheath is of thick carabao hide.

Dimensions:
Bolo: Blade length- 15.5 inches/39.37 cm Total length- 21 inches/ 53.34 cm
Knife: Blade length- 5.2 inches/13.3 cm Total length- 8.75 inches/22.22 cm

2nd June 2018, 08:07 AM	#1
F. de Luzon Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 184	Ilocano Knives (Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines) I visited the Ilocos Region recently. One of the places known for producing knives there is the town of Santa in the Province of Ilocos Sur. The trademark pommel of Santa knives is the soldier's head but they also make the more common pommel designs. I found these knives from Santa in the public market of the City of Vigan (around 10 km from Santa). Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I included a photo to give an idea what it's like to be there. These knives are farm tools but they can still be effective weapons. I was told that they are made of recycled leaf spring but manufactured through the traditional process. The hilt is made of carabao horn and the sheath is of thick carabao hide. Dimensions: Bolo: Blade length- 15.5 inches/39.37 cm Total length- 21 inches/ 53.34 cm Knife: Blade length- 5.2 inches/13.3 cm Total length- 8.75 inches/22.22 cm Attached Images Last edited by F. de Luzon; 2nd June 2018 at 01:26 PM.