Filipino blade - what do I have here?

Robert · 10th February 2019, 05:10 AM

I have had the opportunity on several occasions to remove the style of hilt shown in the original photos to make repairs. On every one of these the tang extended completely through the hilt before being peened. I have yet to see a single hilt of this exact style that had a hidden tang combined with a butt plate held in place with a separate fastener. There was one occasion though where I found that the tang had rusted completely through and the hilt was being held in place by a combination of rust buildup on the tang and shrinkage of the hilt material.

Best,
Robert

Ian · 10th February 2019, 06:21 AM

Agree with Robert. I have only seen full tang hilts that were peined over the plate.

Ian

kai · 10th February 2019, 06:09 PM

Thanks all - I apologize for not responding earlier!

I agree that this is quite unlikely to be anything else but a full tang.

Unless the tang is fully corroded, this will be easy to check with Rob's suggestion; simple electric testers are now very cheap and will come in handy for similar tests, including the pins at the side.

Also strong magnets as suggested by Wayne come in handy for a variety of purposes.

I'll report back when I find a bit of time for a testing session!

Regards,
Kai

RobT · 11th February 2019, 11:55 PM

Hi Kai,

I knew it after I posted so I double checked myself online. My circuit instructions are incorrect (it has been a long while since I built a homemade continuity tester). The battery has to be connected to the two continuity tester probe wires, not the blade and the suspected tang. As you suggested, testers with built in batteries are relatively cheap and it would probably be best to just buy one. If you want to go the homemade way, I found four u-tube videos showing how.

Sincerely,
RobT

11th February 2019, 11:55 PM	#4
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 568	My Circuit Is Incorrect Hi Kai, I knew it after I posted so I double checked myself online. My circuit instructions are incorrect (it has been a long while since I built a homemade continuity tester). The battery has to be connected to the two continuity tester probe wires, not the blade and the suspected tang. As you suggested, testers with built in batteries are relatively cheap and it would probably be best to just buy one. If you want to go the homemade way, I found four u-tube videos showing how. Sincerely, RobT

10th February 2019, 05:10 AM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I have had the opportunity on several occasions to remove the style of hilt shown in the original photos to make repairs. On every one of these the tang extended completely through the hilt before being peened. I have yet to see a single hilt of this exact style that had a hidden tang combined with a butt plate held in place with a separate fastener. There was one occasion though where I found that the tang had rusted completely through and the hilt was being held in place by a combination of rust buildup on the tang and shrinkage of the hilt material. Best, Robert

10th February 2019, 06:21 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,523	Agree with Robert. I have only seen full tang hilts that were peined over the plate. Ian

10th February 2019, 06:09 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Thanks all - I apologize for not responding earlier! I agree that this is quite unlikely to be anything else but a full tang. Unless the tang is fully corroded, this will be easy to check with Rob's suggestion; simple electric testers are now very cheap and will come in handy for similar tests, including the pins at the side. Also strong magnets as suggested by Wayne come in handy for a variety of purposes. I'll report back when I find a bit of time for a testing session! Regards, Kai