A Moro Kriss with a Blade of Unusual Construction

[ThePepperSkull]

I don't think this is as widely 'advertised'/'featured' in the collections of blades from the malay world, but from what I have seen this is a blade construction style that has made its way around. It makes me wonder about its origins as well.

There is a modern Indonesian smith named Mang Ako who lives in Tasikmalaya, Jawa that some people over on other forums swear by (They use his blades as 'fancy' ethnographic alternatives to more common camping or survival blades. Most prefer his Parang Lading, which I must say is quite attractive for newer-made pieces), and he refers to this construction as "balik mipih". So at least we know in Indonesia it is a construction style used frequently enough that there is a term for it.

I have also seen this sandwich construction used on a Pira I own. Upon examining the spine, there are clear weld marks that indicate that softer metals have been welded to the outside of the centre, stronger metal.

Also, a Gasah (Older form pira) I own as well has the sandwich construction apparent closer to the edge, where the layered outer steel makes way for the harder inner steel.

I wonder if the Pandays (Pandayan?) of older Mindanao/Sulu had a specific name for "sanmai"/"balik mipih".


PS: The Mammoth/Elephant molar pommel and silver weaving/banding is the icing on the cake... or kris as the case may be. Either way, color me envious. Beautiful piece.

I've only ever seen a Molar pommel on a moro piece from Jose's collection. I believe it was a Samal Barung.