Happy 250th Independence Day, Luzon Sword, Do You Like Hamon?

Roland_M · 5th July 2026, 11:17 PM

Hello Bob,

I do have a picture in untouched condition, but unfortunately I have no idea, where it is. If I find it, I will post it. All I know about the history is from the incorrect description by the auction house. Judged by the totally dried out condition of the sheath, I would say at least 100 years old. An incredible amount of expensive almond oil was aborbed by that sheath until it was usable again. Cold pressed sweet almond oil is ideal for such tasks. Wood likes it too. It would fit fine into the Philippine independence war against Spain.

I was very surprised to find that very well made differential hardening. To make such an edge with such a strong gradient (edge has around 60 Rockwell) without cracks is extraordinary difficult. This is due to the fact, that hardened steel got a bigger volume than softer steel and by thus creating enormous tensions in the blade.

Battara · 6th July 2026, 01:51 AM

The hilt looks like albino carabao horn.

Nice piece.

Ian · 13th July 2026, 04:33 PM

Roland, thanks for showing this very attractive sword. I agree with your suggestion for dating it.

Edge quenching of Filipino blades is a longstanding technique, but I have seen nothing written of its history or distribution. My own experience has been with Visayan knives, mainly from Panay, but I think this practice was more widespread.

Regards, Ian.

Battara · 15th July 2026, 03:57 AM

A number of my Luzon blades show evidence of edge treatment.

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5th July 2026, 11:17 PM	#1
Roland_M Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Germany Posts: 528	Hello Bob, I do have a picture in untouched condition, but unfortunately I have no idea, where it is. If I find it, I will post it. All I know about the history is from the incorrect description by the auction house. Judged by the totally dried out condition of the sheath, I would say at least 100 years old. An incredible amount of expensive almond oil was aborbed by that sheath until it was usable again. Cold pressed sweet almond oil is ideal for such tasks. Wood likes it too. It would fit fine into the Philippine independence war against Spain. I was very surprised to find that very well made differential hardening. To make such an edge with such a strong gradient (edge has around 60 Rockwell) without cracks is extraordinary difficult. This is due to the fact, that hardened steel got a bigger volume than softer steel and by thus creating enormous tensions in the blade.

6th July 2026, 01:51 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,415	The hilt looks like albino carabao horn. Nice piece.

13th July 2026, 04:33 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,744	Roland, thanks for showing this very attractive sword. I agree with your suggestion for dating it. Edge quenching of Filipino blades is a longstanding technique, but I have seen nothing written of its history or distribution. My own experience has been with Visayan knives, mainly from Panay, but I think this practice was more widespread. Regards, Ian.

15th July 2026, 03:57 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,415	A number of my Luzon blades show evidence of edge treatment.