Bolo for commentary

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by kai

Please explain (I don't see anything similar in the link you added). BTW, Sabah or Sarawak?

The swords we're discussing here are not from Borneo. Also note that the scabbard seems way too long for the blade.

Visual references would be good, Gav.

Yes, both guard variants can be found with this type of blade.

Here's a knife-size version from the same period as the one André showed (pic courtesy of Maurits).

Regards,
Kai

Hi Kai,

A nice comparative example in all aspects, thank you.
The Mandailing origins look spot on for the type overall and with this one Michael presents with a guard http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5089

The image within the link is a modern generalization showing the use of metal guards in more modern Borneo production. ( And yes, Sarawak, "mental fart")

It would be nice to see the reverse of each blade... does the example you show have a chiseled edge blade?
I am not clear if Milandro is confirming his is a chisel edge blade? Seems alluded to rather than confirmed? Milandro?

Whilst I do now see these as ethnically the same visually, please bear with me please....I am not familiar with chiselled edge blades in Sumatra, that aspect seems more Northern Philippines/Borneo by nature as far as manufacture goes historically???

Gav

PS, I missed the post directly above whilst posting myself....