A Very Different Philippine Dagger

Sajen · 3rd July 2014, 07:59 AM

Hello Robert,

very interesting dagger, never seen something similar.

Regards,
Detlef

Robert · 3rd July 2014, 11:24 PM

Hello Ian, Thank you for your thoughts on this very different dagger. I am in total agreement on this being a very nasty fighting weapon as I can see no other use for a blade designed in this style.

Hi Detlef, Yes this is a very unique piece and hopefully someone will either have seen something similar to this or possibly have a photo of another of this style.

I will be posting more photos of this later after I have had a chance to replace the missing brass band and hilt cap. I will also be filling the bug holes and tunnels in the horn hilt in an attempt to help stabilize and preserve it.

Best,
Robert

Battara · 4th July 2014, 01:11 AM

If what you say is correct, then Ian may have a good point. Definitely weird for a Filipino piece.

Rick · 4th July 2014, 03:17 AM

Robert, any chance that this is a recycled oversharpened blade ?

Robert · 4th July 2014, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Robert, any chance that this is a recycled oversharpened blade ?

Hello Rick, At this point from what I can see I do not think it is, a recycled blade perhaps (waste not what not) but being oversharpened to the point of ending up with this shape I do not think so. To me it has all the appearances of being intentionally made in this form. Later when I remove the grip for repair and can inspect the entire blade thoroughly I might be able to tell more. Here is an interesting link that was sent to me on knife fighting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oSxFJ2et4s Imagine if two of these were being used in this manner.

Best,
Robert

Ian · 4th July 2014, 06:04 AM

Robert:

On further reflection, I think this is a rehilted rencong. Notice how the tang arises from the back edge, like a rencong. And assume that the usual file work at forte on a rencong has been ground away. Now you have a slightly concave cutting edge (as on most rencong), a dorsal tang (as on most rencong), and a nasty stabber (as are most rencong).

Just a thought.

Regards,

Ian

Robert · 4th July 2014, 07:04 AM

Hello Ian. I truly appreciate your help in trying to identifying this unusual piece. While your suggestion that this could be a re-hilted rencong blade sounds possible the tang on this does not arise from the back edge of the blade like a rencong, but is like those found on most blades from Luzon and is located only slightly off-center of the blade. The tang is also quite long as it does extend completely through the hit and the now missing butt plate before being peened over in the usual manner for a blade from this location. However, I can see where it might have been specially made for someone in the style of a rencong to suite their personal preferences.

A lot of the fun in these odd items is in trying to identify them after they have been found.

Best,
Robert

4th July 2014, 06:04 AM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,613	Rehilted rencong ??? Robert: On further reflection, I think this is a rehilted rencong. Notice how the tang arises from the back edge, like a rencong. And assume that the usual file work at forte on a rencong has been ground away. Now you have a slightly concave cutting edge (as on most rencong), a dorsal tang (as on most rencong), and a nasty stabber (as are most rencong). Just a thought. Regards, Ian

3rd July 2014, 07:59 AM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,492	Hello Robert, very interesting dagger, never seen something similar. Regards, Detlef

3rd July 2014, 11:24 PM	#2
Robert (deceased) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Ian, Thank you for your thoughts on this very different dagger. I am in total agreement on this being a very nasty fighting weapon as I can see no other use for a blade designed in this style. Hi Detlef, Yes this is a very unique piece and hopefully someone will either have seen something similar to this or possibly have a photo of another of this style. I will be posting more photos of this later after I have had a chance to replace the missing brass band and hilt cap. I will also be filling the bug holes and tunnels in the horn hilt in an attempt to help stabilize and preserve it. Best, Robert

4th July 2014, 01:11 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,363	If what you say is correct, then Ian may have a good point. Definitely weird for a Filipino piece.

4th July 2014, 03:17 AM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,378	Robert, any chance that this is a recycled oversharpened blade ?

4th July 2014, 07:04 AM	#7
Robert (deceased) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Ian. I truly appreciate your help in trying to identifying this unusual piece. While your suggestion that this could be a re-hilted rencong blade sounds possible the tang on this does not arise from the back edge of the blade like a rencong, but is like those found on most blades from Luzon and is located only slightly off-center of the blade. The tang is also quite long as it does extend completely through the hit and the now missing butt plate before being peened over in the usual manner for a blade from this location. However, I can see where it might have been specially made for someone in the style of a rencong to suite their personal preferences. A lot of the fun in these odd items is in trying to identify them after they have been found. Best, Robert