Luzon or Panay?

[JeffS]

The overall style of this knife seems Luzon but lack of peen, chisel grind, and leather scabbard throat are all common Visayan features. Ferule is brass, guard is copper. OAL 16" with 12" blade.

[Sajen]

Hi Jeff,

Nice long dagger you show us! And I can understand your question, I am not really sure as well! But I am sure that I have seen similar ones before.

Regards,
Detlef

[chmorshuutz]

I'll lean towards Panay. It looks similar to those from Iloilo or Antique province, though not certain about the blade profile.

[RobT]

Hi All,

My example is probably newer but perhaps it will help with origin.
Specs: 9.875" Girunting Blade, Dark brown wood hilt with aluminum inlay (pommel inlay missing), Brass ferrule and ”S” shaped aluminum cross guard, Wood sheath with aluminum inlay, aluminum and leather throat, Brass and aluminum chape.

Sincerely,
RobT

[Ian]

Hi Rob,


Does your example have a full length tang? There seems to be a plate at the end of the hilt.

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by RobT

Hi All,

My example is probably newer but perhaps it will help with origin.
Specs: 9.875" Girunting Blade, Dark brown wood hilt with aluminum inlay (pommel inlay missing), Brass ferrule and ”S” shaped aluminum cross guard, Wood sheath with aluminum inlay, aluminum and leather throat, Brass and aluminum chape.

Sincerely,
RobT

Shows this is a style vs odd ball since I agree my example seems older. I was curious how the round chape would look, great to see one intact.

[RobT]

Hi Ian,
It is a blind tang. What you are seeing as plate is actually the end of the wood hilt. It looks like a plate because it stands proud of the shallow cut outs for the missing (presumably aluminum) pommel ornaments.

Hi JeffS,
Yes, given the close similarity of the two pieces in blade, hilt, and sheath, it appears to be a type and not just a one off. It is the only Philippine "Bowie style" blade in my collection with a chisel grind. It makes me wonder even more strongly if the Philippine "Bowie" wasn't developed in the Philippines independently of the US Bowie style. The two clip points differ markedly with the Philippine clip point being far longer than the US version. Is it possible that the Philippine clip point was already in existence prior to WWII and just found favor with US service men because they were used to the clip point form?

Sincerely,
RobT