1st May 2021, 12:14 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 653
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Show us your pira
The pira is my favorite Bangsamoro blade. There are a number of it scattered across the forums; they've been my inspiration in acquiring more for research and martial study in the Moro Fighting Arts. Hoping that other members will post their pira specimens as well!
From top to bottom: 1800s (estimated) Turn of century 1900 (estimated) 1970s (provenanced) 1970s (provenanced) 2021 (provenanced) |
1st May 2021, 08:04 PM | #2 | |
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Quote:
Were both of these forms used at the same time, or did the form change between the early 20th century and the late 20th century? It almost looks like a change from a slicing tool to a chopping tool. If I remember correctly, you test many of your blades. What is their performance like? Can you feel a big difference between the shapes? |
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2nd May 2021, 12:26 AM | #3 | |
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Quote:
With regard to feel, there's variance in individual samples, just a commonality in terms of striking dynamics (the pre1900 is very picky with how it should be wielded; the post1900 is much more liberal). Your comment about the change from a slicing to a chopping tool is interesting- this may have to do more with the forms (there are about 4-5 variants of post1900s pira; I only have 3 in there). But generally I feel more comfortable trying to cleave with the post1900s than with the pre1900s, so your assertion has validity. There are also different ways of striking with pira- so that's another consideration. Overall the post1900s- especially the 70s- are my favorite, and can be adjusted on the fly. |
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2nd May 2021, 10:45 AM | #4 |
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Here again one picture from my example, for more pictures look to this thread:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26593 |
2nd May 2021, 05:38 PM | #5 | |
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9th May 2021, 09:20 PM | #6 |
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Location: Sanibel Florida
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My Pira
Here are the two I have managed to find. Very hard to locate good examples of these and there are “modern” Pira that have been made to look antique. So look at form and materials very closely before making any purchases.
First one is a new addition and I will post better pics of it tomorrow. |
10th May 2021, 12:13 PM | #7 | |
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11th May 2021, 01:08 AM | #8 |
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Yes, that's an interesting one, also with the rather short extension. Seems you also got another nice garab - let me know whenever you decide to let either go, please.
The other pira exhibits a quite similar curved blade as the rough one posted above by Xas! BTW, welcome to the forum! Regards, Kai |
18th May 2021, 02:42 AM | #9 | |
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Here's a late 1800s and a modern one from Ungkaya |
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6th August 2021, 03:37 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: Oct 2018
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I'm fortunate to have gotten a pira from Ian's collection. I restored its edge (it's experienced, battle-wise) and secured the hilt. It's suprisingly nimble and light. I would definitely use this in a duel.
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6th August 2021, 07:44 PM | #11 |
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