Mixed-age and mixed-ethnicity kampilan

Ian · 19th August 2025, 12:32 PM

The T'boli also use sections of tin sheet on their scabbards. It is stiffer than aluminum and can give a nasty cut/scratch. I can see some sharp points where the edges meet. Perhaps tin rather than aluminum? During WWII, U.S. bulk foods (grains, beans, flour, salt, sugar, cooking oil, etc.) often came in large tin containers that got cut up and reused for other purposes. Just a thought.

xasterix · Yesterday, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

The T'boli also use sections of tin sheet on their scabbards. It is stiffer than aluminum and can give a nasty cut/scratch. I can see some sharp points where the edges meet. Perhaps tin rather than aluminum? During WWII, U.S. bulk foods (grains, beans, flour, salt, sugar, cooking oil, etc.) often came in large tin containers that got cut up and reused for other purposes. Just a thought.

Halloo Ian, you're right, and I stand corrected- it is indeed tin

Ian · Yesterday, 06:26 PM

The file work here looks like the ron dah on Indonesian keris. It is interesting to see how the "open" form of the ron dah developed on this blade. If we look at the examples towards the spine of the blade, they are "closed" at the top. But as we progress towards the tip they become more "open." This must surely be due to greater corrosion towards the tip, resulting in loss of the thinner areas that enclose the space.

Alan Maisey has commented on a similar phenomenon occurring on a decorative piece of metalwork he acquired. He thought that the "closed" form may have represented the Hindu "om" while the corroded form ended up looking like ron dah.

19th August 2025, 12:32 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,461	The T'boli also use sections of tin sheet on their scabbards. It is stiffer than aluminum and can give a nasty cut/scratch. I can see some sharp points where the edges meet. Perhaps tin rather than aluminum? During WWII, U.S. bulk foods (grains, beans, flour, salt, sugar, cooking oil, etc.) often came in large tin containers that got cut up and reused for other purposes. Just a thought.

Yesterday, 06:26 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,461	The file work here looks like the ron dah on Indonesian keris. It is interesting to see how the "open" form of the ron dah developed on this blade. If we look at the examples towards the spine of the blade, they are "closed" at the top. But as we progress towards the tip they become more "open." This must surely be due to greater corrosion towards the tip, resulting in loss of the thinner areas that enclose the space. Alan Maisey has commented on a similar phenomenon occurring on a decorative piece of metalwork he acquired. He thought that the "closed" form may have represented the Hindu "om" while the corroded form ended up looking like ron dah.