For those of you with an interest in Taiwan Aboriginal stuff

KuKulzA28 · 26th November 2009, 08:14 PM

PUFF · 27th November 2009, 03:40 PM

I also obtain my larow(s) from an Atayal smith in Tong-Men.

But your pieces are far more impressive with woven thing on handle.

And, yes, finding the place needs a bit of work.

JeffS · 27th November 2009, 05:56 PM

Thank you for the interesting write up and congratulations on a successful quest. That laraw is stunning!

fearn · 27th November 2009, 08:18 PM

Me jealous? No way

Two questions, though. One is whether that hollow handle is welded shut or not. It may sound like a goofy question, but does it ring like a bell when you hit it? I have one of those cheap Cold Steel Bushman knives that has a hollow handle, and it actually makes a decent cowbell.

Best,

F

PUFF · 27th November 2009, 11:45 PM

The hollow hilt is a socket for an "extender". If the thing weld shut how he can get a spear?

fearn · 28th November 2009, 01:58 AM

Hi Puff,

The Bushman handle is just folded into a socket, and the seam is not welded. It looked like the sarow handle is welded into a cone. I'm of two minds about whether welding the seam is a good idea or not, and I wanted to confirm the taiwanese design.

Best,

F

KuKulzA28 · 28th November 2009, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PUFF

I also obtain my larow(s) from an Atayal smith in Tong-Men.

But your pieces are far more impressive with woven thing on handle.

And, yes, finding the place needs a bit of work.

The Tong-men ones are decent, but are not as good quality. Maybe they will make high quality ones for certain people or on special order? The one I got from Tong-men doesn't even compare to the laraw I got more recently. I wonder if other tribes also have 'unknown' blacksmiths who make them blades privately. My guess is the Paiwan and Amis who still have larger populations might have them. They have the straighter blades.

Like these:

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearn

Me jealous? No way

Two questions, though. One is whether that hollow handle is welded shut or not. It may sound like a goofy question, but does it ring like a bell when you hit it? I have one of those cheap Cold Steel Bushman knives that has a hollow handle, and it actually makes a decent cowbell.

The hollow handle's seam disappears past the rattan wrapping so I think it does get welding further towards the blade, but at the every butt end the seam can be seen. It does ring a bit like a bell.

Hope that helps.

David · 28th November 2009, 03:58 PM

Very interesting and informative post. I did, however, edit your link to the website. You cannot post links to commercial sites on these forums. That is for the Swap Forum only.

KuKulzA28 · 28th November 2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Very interesting and informative post. I did, however, edit your link to the website. You cannot post links to commercial sites on these forums. That is for the Swap Forum only.

Thanks, sorry for that!

KuKulzA28 · 29th November 2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KuKulzA28

I wonder if other tribes also have 'unknown' blacksmiths who make them blades privately. My guess is the Paiwan and Amis who still have larger populations might have them. They have the straighter blades.

Does anyone have info on this?

Also, if anyone has laraw and other yuanzhumin blades, I'm sure the rest of us would love to see 'em.

26th November 2009, 08:14 PM	#1
KuKulzA28 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: between work and sleep Posts: 731

27th November 2009, 03:40 PM	#2
PUFF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 30 miles north of Bangkok, 20 miles south of Ayuthaya, Thailand Posts: 224	I also obtain my larow(s) from an Atayal smith in Tong-Men. But your pieces are far more impressive with woven thing on handle. And, yes, finding the place needs a bit of work.

27th November 2009, 05:56 PM	#3
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 433	Thank you for the interesting write up and congratulations on a successful quest. That laraw is stunning!

27th November 2009, 08:18 PM	#4
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Me jealous? No way Two questions, though. One is whether that hollow handle is welded shut or not. It may sound like a goofy question, but does it ring like a bell when you hit it? I have one of those cheap Cold Steel Bushman knives that has a hollow handle, and it actually makes a decent cowbell. Best, F

27th November 2009, 11:45 PM	#5
PUFF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 30 miles north of Bangkok, 20 miles south of Ayuthaya, Thailand Posts: 224	The hollow hilt is a socket for an "extender". If the thing weld shut how he can get a spear?

28th November 2009, 01:58 AM	#6
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Hi Puff, The Bushman handle is just folded into a socket, and the seam is not welded. It looked like the sarow handle is welded into a cone. I'm of two minds about whether welding the seam is a good idea or not, and I wanted to confirm the taiwanese design. Best, F

28th November 2009, 03:58 PM	#8
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,229	Very interesting and informative post. I did, however, edit your link to the website. You cannot post links to commercial sites on these forums. That is for the Swap Forum only.