Large Philippines knives/swords

Timo Nieminen · 10th April 2012, 09:57 PM

Just showing off a trio of large knives/swords from the Philippines. One old, one very modern (bought new), and other one seems middle-aged.

The old one is easily the best, in terms of design and workmanship.

Whether the Western distinction between knives and swords applies to these, and how, is a mystery to me. Any comments or discussion on this point is most welcome.

ThePepperSkull · 10th April 2012, 11:26 PM

The first two look similar in blade shape to bolos referred to as "Dahong Palay" that come from the Laguna area.

I have one similar to the top one, but with a 21-inch blade. I like these pieces. Mine is nice and thick in the spine at 8mm.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...0&postcount=13

ThePepperSkull · 10th April 2012, 11:52 PM

Attatched is a picture of a modern-made Dahong Palay (top)

Very interesting to see that the blade shape has not changed after all these years.

Robert · 11th April 2012, 03:23 AM

I believe the second sword would be referred to as a "sinan-kapitan". Like ThePepperSkull I really like this style of sword and would love to be able to have ones like them myself. Congratulations for being able to acquire them for your collection.

Robert

steeldust · 11th April 2012, 03:51 AM

These photos are of a Dahong Palay (rice leaf) from the town of Tabaco, in Bicol, Philippines. The blade is 17" and the "tabak", was made this year. The scabbard is tied with mono filament fishing line instead of cordage. Thickness of the spine at the handle is 4.5 mm . The short sword weighs 16 oz .

Nirghosa · 13th April 2012, 02:02 AM

My son has one of these and it is his favorite cutting item. Holds a fantastic edge.

Timo Nieminen · 11th April 2012, 10:21 AM

Yes, the top one is a dahong palay. There are much better photos of it here: http://www.swordsantiqueweapons.com/s443_full.html

I wasn't planning to focus on Philippine knives or swords (and don't), but I got a very nice one (which I forgot to photograph last weekend!), and it inspired me to get a few more, which inspired me to get a few more.

The top dahong palay is very nice in the hand - a well-made sword by somebody who understood what swords are for.

Here are two smaller (but not small) knives that are also very nice in hand. There is superb art in these, but the appreciation is kinesthetic rather than visual.

The shiny one is chromed.

10th April 2012, 09:57 PM	#1
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	Large Philippines knives/swords Just showing off a trio of large knives/swords from the Philippines. One old, one very modern (bought new), and other one seems middle-aged. The old one is easily the best, in terms of design and workmanship. Whether the Western distinction between knives and swords applies to these, and how, is a mystery to me. Any comments or discussion on this point is most welcome. Attached Images

10th April 2012, 11:26 PM	#2
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	The first two look similar in blade shape to bolos referred to as "Dahong Palay" that come from the Laguna area. I have one similar to the top one, but with a 21-inch blade. I like these pieces. Mine is nice and thick in the spine at 8mm. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...0&postcount=13 Attached Images

10th April 2012, 11:52 PM	#3
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	Attatched is a picture of a modern-made Dahong Palay (top) Very interesting to see that the blade shape has not changed after all these years. Attached Images

11th April 2012, 03:51 AM	#5
steeldust Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tucson, Az Posts: 3	Dahong Palay These photos are of a Dahong Palay (rice leaf) from the town of Tabaco, in Bicol, Philippines. The blade is 17" and the "tabak", was made this year. The scabbard is tied with mono filament fishing line instead of cordage. Thickness of the spine at the handle is 4.5 mm . The short sword weighs 16 oz . Attached Images

11th April 2012, 10:21 AM	#7
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	Yes, the top one is a dahong palay. There are much better photos of it here: http://www.swordsantiqueweapons.com/s443_full.html I wasn't planning to focus on Philippine knives or swords (and don't), but I got a very nice one (which I forgot to photograph last weekend!), and it inspired me to get a few more, which inspired me to get a few more. The top dahong palay is very nice in the hand - a well-made sword by somebody who understood what swords are for. Here are two smaller (but not small) knives that are also very nice in hand. There is superb art in these, but the appreciation is kinesthetic rather than visual. The shiny one is chromed. Attached Images

11th April 2012, 03:23 AM	#4
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I believe the second sword would be referred to as a "sinan-kapitan". Like ThePepperSkull I really like this style of sword and would love to be able to have ones like them myself. Congratulations for being able to acquire them for your collection. Robert

13th April 2012, 02:02 AM	#6
Nirghosa Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 119	My son has one of these and it is his favorite cutting item. Holds a fantastic edge.