Indonesian golok ? Information wanted

klewang · 29th September 2009, 07:57 PM

Hoi Maurice, thanks for replying and the welcome, a pleasure to be here!

Amuk Murugul, thanks for the information, it is better than i had hoped for...

They were worn by Soenda Senapati (military officers) as far back as the 15thC (perhaps even earlier).

My first guess is that they might be more recent because of the apparently European influence on the scabbards foot, a bit like some Parang Nabur.
May i ask what source you used? Are they being mentioned in a book that you might know of ? Also thanks for posting the photo, where was it taken? mvg

CharlesS, the blade on mine is quite sharp and it has some marks of usage on it, but i dont think it has the most effectiveness in actual combat compared to other weaponry, so i wonder too.

KuKulzA28 · 29th September 2009, 09:39 PM

I've heard the golok bengkulu, when used, is only effective at slashes thanks to its extreme curve. It is, however, VERY good at making drawn saber-cuts thanks to its shape. The same idea can be said about the Chinese pian-dao which had been developed to be a slashing sword for the Tiger skirmishers.

My guess is that it isn't the main weapon if it is so small, since generating powerful slashes at such a close range, while absolutely possible, is a lot slower than a quick stabs from a pedang or pisau. However I wouldn't rule it out because remember, the barong was not used as a stabber, but was definitely a close-in cleaver and ranged from around 10-24" (~25-61cm) blade length. I still stands today as a very effective big blade / shortsword in close-quarters combat. Perhaps due to the fighting style and conditions, the small 'Golok' did find use and these "with the very short, heavily curved blades" were used as close-in slashers to do wicked damage. Also remember, the Chilean corvo was used to lob off enemy heads... and these are hook-shaped combat knives, not long knives nor shortswords.

I don't know the Indonesian world of weapons that well, nor any field of weaponry truthfully...

but this is what I think based on what I know.

klewang · 30th September 2009, 03:58 PM

Well i'm no expert either KuKulzA28, but fortunately there's a forum like this one!

29th September 2009, 07:57 PM	#1
klewang Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 23	Hoi Maurice, thanks for replying and the welcome, a pleasure to be here! Amuk Murugul, thanks for the information, it is better than i had hoped for... *They were worn by Soenda Senapati (military officers) as far back as the 15thC (perhaps even earlier).* My first guess is that they might be more recent because of the apparently European influence on the scabbards foot, a bit like some Parang Nabur. May i ask what source you used? Are they being mentioned in a book that you might know of ? Also thanks for posting the photo, where was it taken? mvg CharlesS, the blade on mine is quite sharp and it has some marks of usage on it, but i dont think it has the most effectiveness in actual combat compared to other weaponry, so i wonder too.

29th September 2009, 09:39 PM	#2
KuKulzA28 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: between work and sleep Posts: 731	I've heard the golok bengkulu, when used, is only effective at slashes thanks to its extreme curve. It is, however, VERY good at making drawn saber-cuts thanks to its shape. The same idea can be said about the Chinese pian-dao which had been developed to be a slashing sword for the Tiger skirmishers. My guess is that it isn't the main weapon if it is so small, since generating powerful slashes at such a close range, while absolutely possible, is a lot slower than a quick stabs from a pedang or pisau. However I wouldn't rule it out because remember, the barong was not used as a stabber, but was definitely a close-in cleaver and ranged from around 10-24" (~25-61cm) blade length. I still stands today as a very effective big blade / shortsword in close-quarters combat. Perhaps due to the fighting style and conditions, the small 'Golok' did find use and these "with the very short, heavily curved blades" were used as close-in slashers to do wicked damage. Also remember, the Chilean corvo was used to lob off enemy heads... and these are hook-shaped combat knives, not long knives nor shortswords. I don't know the Indonesian world of weapons that well, nor any field of weaponry truthfully... but this is what I think based on what I know.

30th September 2009, 03:58 PM	#3
klewang Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 23	Well i'm no expert either KuKulzA28, but fortunately there's a forum like this one!