Massive possible Sumatran Klewang? Info needed!

[Amuk Murugul]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

..... is it correct that "Golok Pandjang Soelangkar" translates as 'long golok with lines in the steel'?
Also, you say that it is from Soenda? .....

Generally speaking, yes.
Your style of golok is often referred to as 'Soemedangan'. (The picture above, showing the weaponry of Wiranatakoesoemah reminds one that Bandoeng used to be part of Soemedang)

Originally Posted by Atlantia

..... What is your understanding of 'Golok'? .....

At least up until the early 16thC it was an implement of the warrior class. Farmer-class implements which were similar were referred to as: Bedog. (The difference was mainly in quality and fittings). Since then, this demarcation has gradually become blurred. Today, the two words have become interchangeable.
This is mainly due to the rise and fall in the fortunes of people and places since then (leading to the erosion of tradition and blurring of history).
On a more general note, the golok is often confused with sword.
One must remember that no real universal standard for weapons existed. Each weapon was basically customised to the individual. Thus what constituted a golok or a sword was quite subjective, the main difference being the primary function (viz. one may be required to do battle with a sword for hours, on foot and/or mounted).

Originally Posted by Atlantia

..... Do you think that this is just a machete and not a weapon? .....

The Soenda are traditionally a very utilitarian people. They try to maximise the utility of anything.
So, of course the golok was not just a machete, even though that may have been its primary function.

Originally Posted by Atlantia

..... (while I think about how to do the ferrule) .....

If the throat is brass, then the ferrule should also be of brass, capping the bottom of the handle up to the ridge and allowing a hole for the tang.

Originally Posted by Atlantia

..... a high contrast dark etch? .....

Traditionally, the Soenda do not do this; the Djawa do. Normal blade-cleaning sufficed.
However, on the occasions that the Soenda did 'etch' a blade, it was done to to clean it and apply poison.
(An implement with such a use was often referred to as 'Salam Noenggal'/Single Greeting/Greets Once. One only has to be 'nicked' by it to 'kiss Mother Earth: Goodbye'.)

Best,