Phiilipine blade, but what kind?

[Protector]

So, another mystery sword/bolo/chopper for your consideration. It is obviously Filipino, to my eyes anyway, but I have not seen anything similar. Heavy duty blade, with an even distal taper to the tip. Buffalo horn grips, with seven facets and brass ferrules and black leather sheath. The store owner had no idea what it is or where it came from. Do any of our illustrious historians here recognize it?

[Ian]

Tagalog manufacture from Central Luzon. The blade shape is not uncommon. The blade appears to have been made from a file. Most likely made in the second half of the 20th C.

Ian

[Protector]

Thank you Ian. Just a few more questions if you don't mind. Does this blade shape/style have a name? From the balance I would gather it is used as a tool more than a weapon, right?

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Protector

Thank you Ian. Just a few more questions if you don't mind. Does this blade shape/style have a name? From the balance I would gather it is used as a tool more than a weapon, right?

I don't know of a specific name for it, but I have seen similar blades used for general purposes including splitting coconuts, chopping brush, etc. It's a variant of the common "bolo" used for chopping--the forward angled blade speaks to a powerful chopping function.

Ian.

[Gavin Nugent]

PM Lorenz, I am sure he will be able to name this for you.

Gavin

[Ferguson]

Don't know the name either. But here is a thread showing mine that is similar. Mine has a dedication on it dated to 1901.

Steve


http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...highlight=bolo