Thai equivalent to the keris

[kahnjar1]

What you describe is also known as a "Priests Knife" and is usually sold on Ebay and in markets as a Buddhist Amulet to ward off bad spirits. I understand that Buddhist Monks/Priests also carry them for literal protection also.
They come in all sorts of sizes up to about 10",and it is most likely that most are of relatively modern manufacture. Pic attaced of a very small one that I have.
I am interested in your comments re prices of knives etc in Thailand at the moment as I will be there next week for a 3 week holiday. Will let you all know how I get on when I return.
Regards Stuart

[Rick]

You will find true keris in S. Thailand .
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...thailand+keris

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Rick

You will find true keris in S. Thailand .
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...thailand+keris

Thanks very much for that Rick! I will certainly now be keeping a watch for these! I had seen many Keris in Malaysia but have not thought of them as a Thai weapon.
Regards Stuart

[Pusaka]

Hi Stuart,

The keris I seen in Thailand were not native, they were from Indonesia.
The Thai also import lots of goods from Cambodia so you will see many Cambodian items, also many items from Tibet.
As you would expect many fake items made last week being sold today as antiques.
I found that as a tourist you will have to get used to being overcharged for everything
It would be better if you know some stores that you are interested in going to.
If you just ask the cab driver he will probably take you to a shop which has no relevance at all to what your interested in. The reason for this is that they get five litres of free gas if they take you to particular shops and keep you in there for 10 mins or longer ie they are given a credit stamp. Some cab drivers will try and bring you to a few of these shops and get as many stamps as possible.
I seen a few mead morh like youre one, there are also old ones but much harder to find.
The keris I seen was in bad shape. The blade was a bit rusty and the sheath had woodworm, the owner wanted over £300 for it, it was so not worth it

[DhaDha]

Some pics in this thread caught my eye... Hopefully helpful.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...Bangkok+museum

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Pusaka

Hi Stuart,

The keris I seen in Thailand were not native, they were from Indonesia.
The Thai also import lots of goods from Cambodia so you will see many Cambodian items, also many items from Tibet.
As you would expect many fake items made last week being sold today as antiques.
I found that as a tourist you will have to get used to being overcharged for everything
It would be better if you know some stores that you are interested in going to.
If you just ask the cab driver he will probably take you to a shop which has no relevance at all to what your interested in. The reason for this is that they get five litres of free gas if they take you to particular shops and keep you in there for 10 mins or longer ie they are given a credit stamp. Some cab drivers will try and bring you to a few of these shops and get as many stamps as possible.
I seen a few mead morh like youre one, there are also old ones but much harder to find.
The keris I seen was in bad shape. The blade was a bit rusty and the sheath had woodworm, the owner wanted over £300 for it, it was so not worth it

Hi Pusaka,
Thanks for the extra info on the Keris....and yes I agree with you re the Taxi (and Tuk Tuk) drivers. You need to be real firm with them, or take the bus. I have been there before so know the pitfalls! Also bargaining is a way of life in Thailand so NEVER accept the first price quoted. Most swords/knives I have found were in the many markets around the country, and I don't usually bother with the proper antique shops for the reason you mention.
Regards Stuart