Show us your bankung

CharlesS · 31st March 2014, 03:53 PM

Here are my examples. Technically the top example is NOT a bangkung, but certainly serves the same function. That shorter one is surprisingly heavier than either of the larger examples shown.

The scabbards on the top and middle one are new.

CharlesS · 31st March 2014, 06:00 PM

Kino,

I think your example is, from top to bottom, the finest example I have seen of a bangkung. The lovely blade, along with the extraordinary hilt and pommel make it quite a fine piece.

The thickened reinforcement at the forte reminds me of many Indonesian klewang styles I have seen. Wonder if there has to be some influence there?

DaveA · 10th August 2014, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Here are my examples. Technically the top example is NOT a bangkung, but certainly serves the same function. That shorter one is surprisingly heavier than either of the larger examples shown.

The scabbards on the top and middle one are new.

Charles, if the top example is emphatically not a bangkung, what is it? Here is one I acquired today, identified by the seller as a "banyal". There is strong resemblance in blade and scabbard, although your hilt is much nicer.

- Dave A.

blue lander · 18th August 2014, 08:12 PM

Here's my bankung. It's brand new. It's about as utilitarian as it comes. I intend to use it to clear brush in my back yard.

Ian · 18th August 2014, 08:17 PM

Hi Blue Lander:

The hilt and scabbard look Visayan on your new one. Does it have a chisel-edge or V-edge?

Ian.

blue lander · 18th August 2014, 09:09 PM

Chisel edged. The skin wrapped around the throat is goat supposedly. I think the rattan is actually plastic. It doesn't feel natural.

Sajen · 18th August 2014, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue lander

Here's my bankung. It's brand new. It's about as utilitarian as it comes. I intend to use it to clear brush in my back yard.

Agree with Ian, Visayan Binangon.

blue lander · 18th August 2014, 09:31 PM

Good to know. I haven't given it any serious use yet but I'm not impressed with the fit and finish. The scale covered parts of the blade has some very deep pitting on it, some look like they might affect the structural integrity. It's also very top heavy and clumsy feeling.

CharlesS · 27th November 2016, 06:14 PM

Here's another bangkung, I am guessing from Maguindanao, based on the hilt style. It almost looks Visayan but for the grip ferrules and corded wrap. The blade is pattern welded. The scabbard is original and simply held together by only wooden pegs. There was never any rattan.

Dimensions:

Overall length: 27in.
Blade length: 20.5in.
Blade's widest point: 1.75in.

Battara · 28th November 2016, 10:11 PM

Well Charles, this is a variant I have not seen. Also rare to have the total scabbard like this.

Very nice example - thanks for posting.

31st March 2014, 03:53 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Here are my examples. Technically the top example is NOT a bangkung, but certainly serves the same function. That shorter one is surprisingly heavier than either of the larger examples shown. The scabbards on the top and middle one are new. Attached Images Last edited by CharlesS; 1st April 2014 at 01:56 AM.

18th August 2014, 08:12 PM	#4
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	Here's my bankung. It's brand new. It's about as utilitarian as it comes. I intend to use it to clear brush in my back yard. Attached Images

27th November 2016, 06:14 PM	#9
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Here's another bangkung, I am guessing from Maguindanao, based on the hilt style. It almost looks Visayan but for the grip ferrules and corded wrap. The blade is pattern welded. The scabbard is original and simply held together by only wooden pegs. There was never any rattan. Dimensions: Overall length: 27in. Blade length: 20.5in. Blade's widest point: 1.75in. Attached Images

31st March 2014, 06:00 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Kino, I think your example is, from top to bottom, the finest example I have seen of a bangkung. The lovely blade, along with the extraordinary hilt and pommel make it quite a fine piece. The thickened reinforcement at the forte reminds me of many Indonesian klewang styles I have seen. Wonder if there has to be some influence there?

18th August 2014, 08:17 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,522	Hi Blue Lander: The hilt and scabbard look Visayan on your new one. Does it have a chisel-edge or V-edge? Ian.

18th August 2014, 09:09 PM	#6
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	Chisel edged. The skin wrapped around the throat is goat supposedly. I think the rattan is actually plastic. It doesn't feel natural.

18th August 2014, 09:31 PM	#8
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	Good to know. I haven't given it any serious use yet but I'm not impressed with the fit and finish. The scale covered parts of the blade has some very deep pitting on it, some look like they might affect the structural integrity. It's also very top heavy and clumsy feeling.

28th November 2016, 10:11 PM	#10
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	Well Charles, this is a variant I have not seen. Also rare to have the total scabbard like this. Very nice example - thanks for posting.