According to Rawson this blade shape goes back a very long time and is a "common heritage of the Indo-Aryan peoples".
It is likely that it entered use in the Philippines from an Indian source, either directly, or indirectly..
Its mechanics of use are that in a blade designed for use as a cut weapon , it gives forward weight --- the khukri effect, in a blade designed for thrust it allows a broad wound for more effective hemorrhage, and easier extraction from the wound.
It has been in use for so long because it is a very good design.
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