what is this knife?

Jeff Pringle · 16th December 2007, 07:44 AM

It has a horn grip, silver ferrules and a distinctive blade shape that I don't recognise, any ideas?

Lew · 16th December 2007, 03:09 PM

It's a form of Philippine bolo.

Lew

Robert · 16th December 2007, 06:57 PM

I believe this is a Tabak with a grip of Spanish influenced styling. Very nice, I really like these.

Robert

Jeff Pringle · 17th December 2007, 12:49 PM

Thanks, guys!

Jim McDougall · 17th December 2007, 04:02 PM

Thanks guys ! Most interesting discussion, and its great to learn all about new weapons~
Now when I see one of these I'll know exactly where its from

Is a Tabak the same as a bolo? Why is the blade shaped like that?

Robert · 17th December 2007, 10:18 PM

Hi Jim,
I believe a Tabak is a type or bolo that had its start in Spanish Colonial times. IF I remember right the Spanish had the bright idea that if the people of the Philippines weapons had a blunt tip that it would help to make them less prone to aggressive behavior and the Spanish safer from attack. It didn't work very well though and seems that it was just another example of Military Intelligence at its best.

Robert

kronckew · 19th December 2007, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Coleman

Hi Jim,
I believe a Tabak is a type or bolo that had its start in Spanish Colonial times. IF I remember right the Spanish had the bright idea that if the people of the Philippines weapons had a blunt tip that it would help to make them less prone to aggressive behavior and the Spanish safer from attack. It didn't work very well though and seems that it was just another example of Military Intelligence at its best.

Robert

those who do not learn from history are forced to repeat it. the UK is lobbying along these lines now, setting us up for future meaningless and ineffective bans; releasing reports by eminent UK doctors that there is no need for knives to have points and that if only they were mfg. with blunt tips that stabbings would go down. see the existing thread on UK samurai sword ban, when will we ever learn.....

Battara · 21st December 2007, 07:41 PM

This is a Pampangan tabak. Yes it is a type of bolo and typical of Pampangas region on Luzon. Robert is right in that this is why there is not a sharpened tip on the piece - Spanish restrictions. It also looks like the hilt is of horn and silver. I would place this at the late 19c.

16th December 2007, 07:44 AM	#1
Jeff Pringle Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 189	what is this knife? It has a horn grip, silver ferrules and a distinctive blade shape that I don't recognise, any ideas? Attached Images

16th December 2007, 03:09 PM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	It's a form of Philippine bolo. Lew

16th December 2007, 06:57 PM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I believe this is a Tabak with a grip of Spanish influenced styling. Very nice, I really like these. Robert

17th December 2007, 12:49 PM	#4
Jeff Pringle Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 189	Thanks, guys!

17th December 2007, 04:02 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,785	Thanks guys ! Most interesting discussion, and its great to learn all about new weapons~ Now when I see one of these I'll know exactly where its from Is a Tabak the same as a bolo? Why is the blade shaped like that?

17th December 2007, 10:18 PM	#6
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hi Jim, I believe a Tabak is a type or bolo that had its start in Spanish Colonial times. IF I remember right the Spanish had the bright idea that if the people of the Philippines weapons had a blunt tip that it would help to make them less prone to aggressive behavior and the Spanish safer from attack. It didn't work very well though and seems that it was just another example of Military Intelligence at its best. Robert

21st December 2007, 07:41 PM	#8
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,143	This is a Pampangan tabak. Yes it is a type of bolo and typical of Pampangas region on Luzon. Robert is right in that this is why there is not a sharpened tip on the piece - Spanish restrictions. It also looks like the hilt is of horn and silver. I would place this at the late 19c.