Do I have a Garab?

[kai]

Hello Steve,

Could you also show the reverse side of the blade, please?

Where the hilt is normally wrapped with rattan, it has an old leather covering held on with a brass strap.

The leather does look aged but doesn't seem to show the expected wear from actual usage. I'd hazard the guess that this was a repair attempt, possibly by someone out of the originating culture. Neat piece regardless - congrats!

The blade is beveled on the right side and flat on the other. The beveled side shows nice laminations. The flat side of the blade etches almost completely dark.

This is the usual construction with the thin steel plate forged to the opposite side of the blade later receiving the bevel: buttered slice of bread rather than a sandwich.

I was completely stunned to find the laminated blade.

I believe that many, if not most, antique Visayan blades will prove to be laminated if more people would care to check!

Not all will show such a bold contrast though (e. g. I have a laminated blade that is a pig to etch resulting in only faint laminations on the beveled side; need to try again).

Regards,
Kai