Bicol Bolo/Knife

VANDOO · 31st March 2014, 11:24 PM

MY EXAMPLE DID HAVE VARNISH BUT DUE TO TIME AND WEAR IT HAS LOST ITS SHINE BUT THE WOOD STILL STAYS DARK. IF IT WAS SANDED OFF ENTIRELY DOWN TO THE NATURAL WOOD IT WOULD BE A LOT LIGHTER IN COLOR AND THE PORES OF THE WOOD MORE OPEN OR FILLED WITH SAWDUST. I SUSPECT SOME PLANT RESINS MAY HAVE BEEN USED BY PEOPLE IN MORE PRIMATIVE TIMES TO SEAL, PROTECT AND ENHANCE ITEMS FROM BASKETS, BOWLS AND MANY OTHER ITEMS. SO MODERN SEALERS, STAINS AND VARNISHES WILL NOT REALLY BE SOMETHING NEW.

Sajen · 1st April 2014, 11:46 PM

Thank you Barry, that confirms what I think, the scabbards get the varnish maybe by the manufacturer originally.

Regards,
Detlef

Robert · 3rd April 2014, 12:04 AM

Well, it arrived today and I am very happy with what showed up. I have added a few new photos but the do not do justice to the wood at all. Here are the overall blade measurements.

Total length is 14-1/4 inches.
Blade length is 9-3/4 inches.
Blade width is 2 inches at its widest point.
Blase is slightly over 5/16 at the hilt.
Hilt is 4-1/2 inches

Best,
Robert

Battara · 3rd April 2014, 12:11 AM

Nice work in brass and narra wood!

Robert · 5th April 2014, 05:03 PM

Thank you Jose. Do you (or anyone else) know what group it was that made these bolos and because of the engraving on the blade, how intricate the carving is on both hilt and scabbard were they used just for dress and personal protection or as an all purpose tool? I ask this because I just cannot see someone using something like this for every day chores (chopping wood trimming the weeds) even though it would not surprize me to find out that is exactly what they were used for.

Best,
Robert

3rd April 2014, 12:04 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Well, it arrived today and I am very happy with what showed up. I have added a few new photos but the do not do justice to the wood at all. Here are the overall blade measurements. Total length is 14-1/4 inches. Blade length is 9-3/4 inches. Blade width is 2 inches at its widest point. Blase is slightly over 5/16 at the hilt. Hilt is 4-1/2 inches Best, Robert Attached Images

31st March 2014, 11:24 PM	#1
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	MY EXAMPLE DID HAVE VARNISH BUT DUE TO TIME AND WEAR IT HAS LOST ITS SHINE BUT THE WOOD STILL STAYS DARK. IF IT WAS SANDED OFF ENTIRELY DOWN TO THE NATURAL WOOD IT WOULD BE A LOT LIGHTER IN COLOR AND THE PORES OF THE WOOD MORE OPEN OR FILLED WITH SAWDUST. I SUSPECT SOME PLANT RESINS MAY HAVE BEEN USED BY PEOPLE IN MORE PRIMATIVE TIMES TO SEAL, PROTECT AND ENHANCE ITEMS FROM BASKETS, BOWLS AND MANY OTHER ITEMS. SO MODERN SEALERS, STAINS AND VARNISHES WILL NOT REALLY BE SOMETHING NEW.

1st April 2014, 11:46 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Thank you Barry, that confirms what I think, the scabbards get the varnish maybe by the manufacturer originally. Regards, Detlef

3rd April 2014, 12:11 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Nice work in brass and narra wood!

5th April 2014, 05:03 PM	#5
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Thank you Jose. Do you (or anyone else) know what group it was that made these bolos and because of the engraving on the blade, how intricate the carving is on both hilt and scabbard were they used just for dress and personal protection or as an all purpose tool? I ask this because I just cannot see someone using something like this for every day chores (chopping wood trimming the weeds) even though it would not surprize me to find out that is exactly what they were used for. Best, Robert