Large Philippines knives/swords

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.

David R · 15th April 2012, 12:13 PM

I am getting more and more interested in the Phillipine pieces. D**n you, I already have more interests than I can afford!

ThePepperSkull · 15th April 2012, 05:18 PM

Not a Dahong palay, but interesting.

This bolo recently ended on ebay. The blade shape is the familiar "Two-humped spine" form we see in many Luzon blades, but it was the sheath that stood out. it looks similar to the sheath of the newly-made Dahong Palay that I posted on this thread.

Perhaps it was made in Laguna?

Robert · 15th April 2012, 05:49 PM

Hello ThePepperSkull, I too was watching this and trying to figure out exactly what was going on. I think the the bolo could possibly be older than the scabbard. Perhaps the original scabbard was damaged and not wanting to carry a bare blade around the owner simply had a new one made for it. Did you by chance end up winning this piece?

Robert

ThePepperSkull · 15th April 2012, 06:10 PM

That is a definite possibility. I know a lot of dahong palays don't have guards so it definitely could have been made in a different place than the sheath.

Yes sir, I did win this item. I was surprised (and delighted mind you) that no one else bid on it, but I figured someone else was watching it.

Did you see the bolo with the cast brass guard that ended this morning? I was going to bid on it and set my phone to wake me up before it ended but I slept through the alarm. You win some you lose some I guess.

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.

11th April 2012, 03:51 AM	#2
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

15th April 2012, 05:18 PM	#5
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	Not a Dahong palay, but interesting. This bolo recently ended on ebay. The blade shape is the familiar "Two-humped spine" form we see in many Luzon blades, but it was the sheath that stood out. it looks similar to the sheath of the newly-made Dahong Palay that I posted on this thread. Perhaps it was made in Laguna? Attached Images

11th April 2012, 10:21 AM	#8
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	#1
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	#3
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.

15th April 2012, 12:13 PM	#4
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,120	I am getting more and more interested in the Phillipine pieces. D**n you, I already have more interests than I can afford!

15th April 2012, 05:49 PM	#6
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello ThePepperSkull, I too was watching this and trying to figure out exactly what was going on. I think the the bolo could possibly be older than the scabbard. Perhaps the original scabbard was damaged and not wanting to carry a bare blade around the owner simply had a new one made for it. Did you by chance end up winning this piece? Robert

15th April 2012, 06:10 PM	#7
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	That is a definite possibility. I know a lot of dahong palays don't have guards so it definitely could have been made in a different place than the sheath. Yes sir, I did win this item. I was surprised (and delighted mind you) that no one else bid on it, but I figured someone else was watching it. Did you see the bolo with the cast brass guard that ended this morning? I was going to bid on it and set my phone to wake me up before it ended but I slept through the alarm. You win some you lose some I guess.