A Kampilan blade - from where?

KuKulzA28 · 16th March 2011, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nirghosa

It take a glorious color with just a simple poly seal.

http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/y...t=DSC04818.jpg

That does look nice, good work!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Very true - it can puncture the avioli of the lungs so DON'T BREATH THE PADAUK DUST!

I will remember than advice!

Sounds like cocobolo
I assume the same precautions as cocobolo... face-mask, ventilation, etc.

Nirghosa · 17th March 2011, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KuKulzA28

That does look nice, good work!

Thanks!!

I will remember than advice!

Sounds like cocobolo
I assume the same precautions as cocobolo... face-mask, ventilation, etc.

Personally, to me cocobolo is a little heavier and could throw off the balance but perhaps if you could get identical pieces you would be able to judge yourself. Sometimes the woods speak to you. I would often go to the local shop and pick up differing pieces to get a feel. Could sometimes take way too long

In general the denser the wood, the heavier it is of course
When doing my personal aluminum trainers I prefer to get the balance just right.
Purpleheart is nice as is Narra.
Dark Walnut has a nice balance of weight, density and yet is workable.

http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/y...t=DSC06778.jpg

Battara · 17th March 2011, 01:11 AM

I use padauk because it looks like the inner part of the narra tree (again a part of the narra tree family) and walnut because it looks like the outer part of the narra tree.

Nirghosa · 18th March 2011, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I use padauk because it looks like the inner part of the narra tree (again a part of the narra tree family) and walnut because it looks like the outer part of the narra tree.

Interesting, hadn't looked at it that way.
Do you use a stain on the Padauk (to affect the color) or just a seal?

Battara · 18th March 2011, 02:09 AM

Most of the time I just use a seal. However, I have stained it with walnut before, which looks like the area between the inner and outer parts of the narra tree, or a truly aged piece of inner narra wood.

tom hyle · 19th March 2011, 01:16 AM

Can we get a report on cross-section, thickness (especially at tip), and edge geometry on the mystery blade, BTW; I was gonna bid but had to buy a phone charger instead (despite mine being brand new;" /untranslated chinese/ high-tech alliance crap!") but frankly felt that the gamble factor was is it from Irian Jaya?

I didn't want to spoil the mood for you, and since you have it in hand, I take it you'd have mentioned if it were egregiously unweaponly?

Nirghosa · 19th March 2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Most of the time I just use a seal. However, I have stained it with walnut before, which looks like the area between the inner and outer parts of the narra tree, or a truly aged piece of inner narra wood.

Very useful insight, thanks!

I've mostly made my handles in a representative style (since they're just my trainers anyway). But as I've begun to get more competent with the solid handles(vs slabs) I've wanted to make them more accurate.

harimauhk · 23rd March 2011, 05:05 AM

I found this thread when looking for info on the Illanun of Borneo and their kampilans.

I'll be in Malaysian Borneo later this year and I'm hoping to acquire modern-made blades from a number of tribes there.

As far as brass/bronze being talismanic: even some of the Christians of Southern Luzon believe brass blades offer protection. Some believe a brass dagger will protect against aswang.

ThePepperSkull · 31st March 2011, 06:16 AM

Is there any validity to the metal inlays being able to cause harm to said evil spirits? ('Validity' in terms of intent of purpose in the culture, of course, and not actual ghost-busting

). As I was told, it was the case that steel or iron would not harm an evil spirit and would simply go though it, but brass or copper or bronze would harm one as badly as a blade would harm the living.

I'm not sure how valid a statement that was, though. this was information passed onto me anecdotally via a relative and not though any sort of quotable/referencable text. Are there any cultures that beleve these metals inlaid in a blade can not only ward off evil spirits, but actually cause them harm if used in defense?

harimauhk · 1st April 2011, 03:11 PM

Since brass contains copper, the copper-colored blades may just be brass with more copper than usual.

Pep: Some brass has to be better than none.

That's the first I've heard of the blades actually being used to COMBAT spirits. I thought just having them around was enough.

17th March 2011, 01:11 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I use padauk because it looks like the inner part of the narra tree (again a part of the narra tree family) and walnut because it looks like the outer part of the narra tree.

18th March 2011, 02:09 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Most of the time I just use a seal. However, I have stained it with walnut before, which looks like the area between the inner and outer parts of the narra tree, or a truly aged piece of inner narra wood.

19th March 2011, 01:16 AM	#6
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	Can we get a report on cross-section, thickness (especially at tip), and edge geometry on the mystery blade, BTW; I was gonna bid but had to buy a phone charger instead (despite mine being brand new;" /untranslated chinese/ high-tech alliance crap!") but frankly felt that the gamble factor was is it from Irian Jaya? I didn't want to spoil the mood for you, and since you have it in hand, I take it you'd have mentioned if it were egregiously unweaponly?

23rd March 2011, 05:05 AM	#8
harimauhk Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 88	I found this thread when looking for info on the Illanun of Borneo and their kampilans. I'll be in Malaysian Borneo later this year and I'm hoping to acquire modern-made blades from a number of tribes there. As far as brass/bronze being talismanic: even some of the Christians of Southern Luzon believe brass blades offer protection. Some believe a brass dagger will protect against aswang.

31st March 2011, 06:16 AM	#9
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	Is there any validity to the metal inlays being able to cause harm to said evil spirits? ('Validity' in terms of intent of purpose in the culture, of course, and not actual ghost-busting ). As I was told, it was the case that steel or iron would not harm an evil spirit and would simply go though it, but brass or copper or bronze would harm one as badly as a blade would harm the living. I'm not sure how valid a statement that was, though. this was information passed onto me anecdotally via a relative and not though any sort of quotable/referencable text. Are there any cultures that beleve these metals inlaid in a blade can not only ward off evil spirits, but actually cause them harm if used in defense?

1st April 2011, 03:11 PM	#10
harimauhk Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 88	Since brass contains copper, the copper-colored blades may just be brass with more copper than usual. Pep: Some brass has to be better than none. That's the first I've heard of the blades actually being used to COMBAT spirits. I thought just having them around was enough.