Extra long kampilan and testing the legendary scabbarded strike

xasterix · 7th November 2025, 02:53 PM

The Moro kampilan is famed for its unorthodox deployment: striking while scabbarded. This has been documented extensively:

"This peculiar construction of the scabbard makes it possible to clear the blade without drawing it; as when a blow is struck the upper lashing is cut and the scabbard drops off. "
-Stone, G. (2013). A glossary of the construction, decoration and use of arms and armor.

"The novice does not realize that it has not to be drawn from its sheath before it can be used, and not uncommonly has he been awakened to the truth by the shock upon his body of the falling campilan which a moment later causes his death."
-Brent, C. (1906). Various notes on PH matters.

The feature is indispensable for the kampilan's main purpose as a bodyguard (and at times, executioner) blade:

"The campilan is a favorite for court wear. It would have been an unforgivable offense for a subject to have appeared at court with a bare weapon, but there were occasions when an attack was likely immediately after leaving; on such occasions a sword that would clear itself had obvious advantages."
-Stone, G. (2013). A glossary of the construction, decoration and use of arms and armor.

I first learned of this unique feature via Sir Lorenz Lasco's lecture, way back in 2018. I've always wanted to verify this feature by replicating the deployment on a test target. Many questions remained on my mind- did it really cut through the rope? When were the ropes cut, upon impact? What if the edge got stuck inside the scabbard?

Luckily, I acquired a late 1800s kampilan with an 1882 silver coin on its pommel. This specimen has a massive 33.3in heavy blade and a mostly-complete breakaway scabbard.

I restored my antique kampilan, patched up the cracks on the scabbard, then tied up the scabbard halves with cotton yarn (substitute for rattan), as advised by a Mindanao researcher. Then I proceeded to cut-test on soaked cardboard rolls. Here's the scabbarded strike verification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5sN-ng_DH0

I did that 4 more times on other targets, with similar results. Thankfully, the scabbard halves were very much reusable.

Enjoy

7th November 2025, 02:53 PM	#1
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 706	Extra long kampilan and testing the legendary scabbarded strike The Moro kampilan is famed for its unorthodox deployment: striking while scabbarded. This has been documented extensively: "This peculiar construction of the scabbard makes it possible to clear the blade without drawing it; as when a blow is struck the upper lashing is cut and the scabbard drops off. " -Stone, G. (2013). A glossary of the construction, decoration and use of arms and armor. "The novice does not realize that it has not to be drawn from its sheath before it can be used, and not uncommonly has he been awakened to the truth by the shock upon his body of the falling campilan which a moment later causes his death." -Brent, C. (1906). Various notes on PH matters. The feature is indispensable for the kampilan's main purpose as a bodyguard (and at times, executioner) blade: "The campilan is a favorite for court wear. It would have been an unforgivable offense for a subject to have appeared at court with a bare weapon, but there were occasions when an attack was likely immediately after leaving; on such occasions a sword that would clear itself had obvious advantages." -Stone, G. (2013). A glossary of the construction, decoration and use of arms and armor. I first learned of this unique feature via Sir Lorenz Lasco's lecture, way back in 2018. I've always wanted to verify this feature by replicating the deployment on a test target. Many questions remained on my mind- did it really cut through the rope? When were the ropes cut, upon impact? What if the edge got stuck inside the scabbard? Luckily, I acquired a late 1800s kampilan with an 1882 silver coin on its pommel. This specimen has a massive 33.3in heavy blade and a mostly-complete breakaway scabbard. I restored my antique kampilan, patched up the cracks on the scabbard, then tied up the scabbard halves with cotton yarn (substitute for rattan), as advised by a Mindanao researcher. Then I proceeded to cut-test on soaked cardboard rolls. Here's the scabbarded strike verification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5sN-ng_DH0 I did that 4 more times on other targets, with similar results. Thankfully, the scabbard halves were very much reusable. Enjoy Attached Images