A recently acquired tabak (from Apalit?)

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Interesting discussion, thank's for that.

To learn more I would like to add my examples to the discussuion.

The upper one I would call tabak, I've described it as from Luzon/Pampanga, end of 19th century. 47 cm out from scabbard.

Second example is a katana, handle sinan kapitan, Luzon/Ilocos Sur, first quarter 20th century. 56,4 cm. Similar to the third example from the Macao exhibition.

Third one I am unsure about, I would say that it's a tabak, can't say something about the exact origin but think Central Luzon, end 19th century(?), handle has had once wire binding. 62 cm.

Any additional informations or remarks are very welcome.

Regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef,

Greetings!

Your labeling of 'tabak' is correct in a general sense, as I've stated earlier- in Tagalog, 'tabak' means combat blade. So technically even minasbads, matulis, dahongpalay, bulongpagay- all Luzon fighting blades- fall under the umbrella term 'tabak.'

Would just like to clarify, is your first sample chisel-grind or convex?

Regarding your second sample, it's wholly endemic from Ilocos, and it's not a katana. It's different from the sample in the Macau exhibition.

The third one is a katana, and quite a long one. May I know the blade measurement in inches?

[Sajen]

Hi Xas,
Hope you are fine!

The first blade has a convex edge. How you would call it? And would you agree by the estimated origin?

So the second piece is like guessed Ilocos (Sur?) and not a katana, how you would call it?

Third one a katana, any guess about the exact origin? It's 24.4 inch long overall, blade 18.5 inch and 0,31 inch thick at the base/handle. A very heavy sword.

Regards,
Detlef

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Xas,
Hope you are fine!

The first blade has a convex edge. How you would call it? And would you agree by the estimated origin?

So the second piece is like guessed Ilocos (Sur?) and not a katana, how you would call it?

Third one a katana, any guess about the exact origin? It's 24.4 inch long overall, blade 18.5 inch and 0,31 inch thick at the base/handle. A very heavy sword.

Regards,
Detlef

Dear Detlef:

For the first- oh so it's convex, I'd guess it to be of Apalit origin then. I'm not familiar with the blade profile, so calling it as a generic tabak is fine =)

For the second, it's confirmed to exist (and is still being produced) in Ilocos Sur, but am still determining if it's also present in Norte (although not likely). It's termed as 'panggaw-at,' which is the Ilokano term 'for reaching.' For reference, I'm including a picture of my 2019-made sinan-Gabriela panggaw-at (along with a sinan-kapitan bulong pagay).

For the third, as I understand it, all katana-type blades originated from Apalit. I don't think any other area produced that specific type.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by xasterix

Dear Detlef:

For the first- oh so it's convex, I'd guess it to be of Apalit origin then. I'm not familiar with the blade profile, so calling it as a generic tabak is fine =)

For the second, it's confirmed to exist (and is still being produced) in Ilocos Sur, but am still determining if it's also present in Norte (although not likely). It's termed as 'panggaw-at,' which is the Ilokano term 'for reaching.' For reference, I'm including a picture of my 2019-made sinan-Gabriela panggaw-at (along with a sinan-kapitan bulong pagay).

For the third, as I understand it, all katana-type blades originated from Apalit. I don't think any other area produced that specific type.

Thank you very much Xas!

Regards,
Detlef

[Rafngard]

I just wanted to say thank you to both Ian and Asterix.

All of this has been fascinating to read.

Have fun,
Leif