Ilocano Knives (Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines)

[F. de Luzon]

You're welcome Ian. I found it interesting that each blade is distinct from the others. Although they appear the same, they are different in weight and balance. Some are light and flimsy, others are bulky and heavy. The variations in blade shape, thickness and grind account for this. The hilt size and weight is also not consistent. Each knife thus has its own personality and one has to find the one that feels right in the hand or one that suits one's specific needs.

These examples do not compare to antique Ilocano knives that I've handled. In general they are still well made but these are unrefined. The attention to detail is not the same. The bolsters are not as nice and the carving in the handles are very rough. I've seen older examples of the Santa pommel that are well detailed. Where human features are carefully carved unlike the examples shown here. I'll try to post pictures of those better examples. Anyway, I guess these are not made to impress aesthetically. They are everyday working tools that are meant to last but not to be displayed. They may not be refined but they will certainly get the job done. Nonetheless, I wish that the traditional quality was retained. Like I said, these new ones do not compare to the antiques.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by F. de Luzon

You're welcome Ian. I found it interesting that each blade is distinct from the others. Although they appear the same, they are different in weight and balance. Some are light and flimsy, others are bulky and heavy. The variations in blade shape, thickness and grind account for this. The hilt size and weight is also not consistent. Each knife thus has its own personality and one has to find the one that feels right in the hand or one that suits one's specific needs.

These examples do not compare to antique Ilocano knives that I've handled. In general they are still well made but these are unrefined. The attention to detail is not the same. The bolsters are not as nice and the carving in the handles are very rough. I've seen older examples of the Santa pommel that are well detailed. Where human features are carefully carved unlike the examples shown here. I'll try to post pictures of those better examples. Anyway, I guess these are not made to impress aesthetically. They are everyday working tools that are meant to last but not to be displayed. They may not be refined but they will certainly get the job done. Nonetheless, I wish that the traditional quality was retained. Like I said, these new ones do not compare to the antiques.

Thanks again for your comments F. de L. The depiction of Antonio Luna on these hilts is a tradition that seems to have been around since before WWII. Luna was an interesting man and there are a number of online sources detailing his history. I agree that many of the depictions here are cruder than on older, better quality examples.


I think the "individuality" of Filipino knives is common--no two being exactly alike unless machine made--and the need to find the right "fit" for a buyer is important. I have a friend in Negros who must have examined 50 different bolos of similar design before deciding on the right one for him to cut brush in his yard. Since he planned to do a lot of chopping with it over a long time he wanted one that would last and feel right.

Ian.

[F. de Luzon]

Originally Posted by Ian

Thanks again for your comments F. de L. The depiction of Antonio Luna on these hilts is a tradition that seems to have been around since before WWII. Luna was an interesting man and there are a number of online sources detailiong his history. I agree that many of the depictions here are cruder than on older, better quality examples.

Hi Ian,

The Santa pommel (aka Kapitan or Antonio Luna) certainly resembles a Filipino revolutionary army officer wearing a peaked cap like General Antonio Luna in his portrait. Here's a link that provides info on the uniform of the Army of the First Philippine Republic: http://malacanang.gov.ph/76540-infog...pine-republic/. Also, attached is a photo of Antonio Luna wearing the cap and an example of an antique dagger from Santa, Ilocos Sur for the information of readers who may not be acquainted with what we are discussing.

The attention to detail in the older pommel is so much better compared to contemporary versions. I noticed that the stud on the forehead that you'll find in older versions is missing in the new ones. It's that stud that makes it unmistakably inspired by the officers of the 1st Republican Army. I've seen claims online that older versions like this are from the era of the First Republic (1898-1901). It makes sense because it was the only time such uniform was used. However, I've never encountered an actual dated example. I hope someone can shed more light on this.

[/QUOTE] I think the "individuality" of Filipino knives is common--no two being exactly alike unless machine made--and the need to find the right "fit" for a buyer is important. I have a friend in Negros who must have examined 50 different bolos of similar design before deciding on the right one for him to cut brush in his yard. Since he planned to do a lot of chopping with it over a long time he wanted one that would last and feel right. [/QUOTE]

This is very interesting. I did the same until I found the right one.

Kind regards,

Fernando

[Battara]

Fernando, thank you for posting this. I see some of what Ian has been talking about on Ilokano blades.

Maraming Salamat!

[F. de Luzon]

Walang anuman, Battara!

I found this photo described as a dated (19th century) Northern Luzon Katipunan knife (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/332703491193420071/). The scabbard is almost identical to the one in the picture I posted above. Could the one above be from the period of the 1st Philippine Republic?

Fernando

[Rick]

Could this be Ilocano?

[Ian]

Hi Rick.

Yes, I think so. The blade form is consistent, with a "peaked" clip to the spine and a small "bulge" on the cutting edge just in front of the guard--both highly suggestive of Ilocano work. The multifaceted brass ferrule with small brass guard is also in keeping, while the horn hilt with a groove for the little finger is typical of Ilocano work. The carved pommel is an uncommon variant IMHO, but the peined tang is very common. The thick leather sheath with a "rondel" at the throat is also a fairly common Ilocano style.

While few of these features are purely Ilocano in form, it checks all the boxes for me as Ilocano in origin.

Ian.

Addendum: In thinking about your pommel, I was reminded of a thread a while back where a similar pommel was discussed and the suggestion was made that it may represent a porobiscis monkey--see here.

[Spunjer]

Originally Posted by F. de Luzon

Walang anuman, Battara!

I found this photo described as a dated (19th century) Northern Luzon Katipunan knife (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/332703491193420071/). The scabbard is almost identical to the one in the picture I posted above. Could the one above be from the period of the 1st Philippine Republic?

Fernando

i don't remember having a date on that particular piece. i think whoever posted that picture is trying to say this particular dagger was made during the 19th century.
the whitish metal decorating the handle is made out of aluminum.

[F. de Luzon]

Originally Posted by Spunjer

i don't remember having a date on that particular piece. i think whoever posted that picture is trying to say this particular dagger was made during the 19th century.
the whitish metal decorating the handle is made out of aluminum.

Hello Spunjer,

Thank you for your insights. The whitish metal on the hilt of the dagger in post #6 seems to be of the same material as that in post #8. I haven't seen the dagger (#6) in person because it is still en route to Manila. But based on the photograph, the whitish lines and dots do look like aluminum. The similarities in the hilt and scabbard suggest that these daggers were made by the same craftsman, as said by Ian.

I am certain that the dagger with the soldier's head pommel was manufactured in Santa, Ilocos Sur. If these were made by the same craftsman, then the other one is from the same place. The question is whether or not these daggers are from the era of the Philippine Revolution/Philippine American War (1896-1902). Some would assume that it can't because of the presence of aluminum.

I've seen here and elsewhere the view that Philippine weapons (krisses, bolos, etc) with aluminum fittings are of post World War II manufacture because aluminum was salvaged from downed fighter planes. I do not agree with this broad generalization.

Aluminum (aluminio) was imported to the Philippines since the late nineteenth century. Later, the American Governor General would even set duties on aluminum. Here's a page from the Executive Orders and Proclamations of the Governor General in 1905 setting the duties on aluminum kitchen utensils, etc. See #71 .. aluminio.... (https://quod.lib.umich.edu/p/philame...ge;q1=aluminio).

Therefore, while some weapons were fitted with aluminum after the war, there were others that may have already had them even before. All I am saying is that these daggers cannot be assumed to be post war just because of the presence of aluminum.

Anyway, I'm just sharing my thoughts and I would appreciate any added insights.

Kind regards,

Fernando