Did I buy a Rencong?

Alam Shah · 7th March 2005, 02:07 AM

Ferguson, that's an excellent piece....drool.

(we have similar taste...)

Alam Shah · 7th March 2005, 02:15 AM

Conorge, that's a very nice old piece you have there...drool.

Any idea how old is it? The blade material look like those of keris.
A close up picture of the blade would be nice.

Where's the other picture...?

drdavid · 1st May 2006, 05:58 AM

Am just waiting on a Rencong I recently purchased and was wondering how the heck does one hold a rencong. It looks a little awkward with the handle shape. Anyone have a photo that might help my mental contortions
cheers
DrD

Alam Shah · 1st May 2006, 06:12 AM

The link point to an article, how to handle a rencong.

http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php

In my gallery (pg. 2), there are a few rencongs for viewing as well.

http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...bum.php&page=2

Enjoy.

A. G. Maisey · 2nd May 2006, 04:57 AM

I present the following for consideration:-

Draeger:- "Weapons and Fighting Arts of the Indonesian Archipelago"

"---The rentjong is employed according to its length, which varies from about five to twenty inches. The shorter lengths are highly favoured because they can be easily concealed.The rencong is worn sheathed at the left hand side of the bearer. It is usually drawn with the left foot forward so that by a quick, short step forward with the right foot the thrust of the knife recieves added impetus. The blade is withdrawn from its sheath, cutting edge towards the enemy. It is then whipped to the right by a snap of the hand which brings the palm upward; the elbow is held fairly close to the body. The thrust is made by extending the right arm almost to full extension and turning the palm downward just prior to penetration of the target. Vital areas include the abdominal cavity, the groin, the throat, and the kidney regions."

Martosedono:- "Mengenal Senjata Tradisional Kita" ( know our traditional weapons)

"Jadi Reuncong Meucegok adalah Reuncong yang tangkainya melengkung, yakni suatu alat penikam paling ampuh ---"

Martosedono makes several references to the rencong being a stabbing weapon.

Harsrinuksmo:- "Ensiklopedi Keris"

"Dalam pertempuran jarak dekat, rencong cukup andal digunakan sebagai senjata tikam" ( In close combat the rencong is adequate for use as a stabbing weapon).

Note photograph of King Ubit, West Sumatra, seated, handle of rencong pointed up.

Note photograph of Achenese freedom fighter, third quarter of 19th century, standing, handle of rencong pointing down.

A handle with the 90 degree extension pointing down while seated would possibly be a little uncomfortable.
Or perhaps this is a dress convention:- by placing the handle in a position where the rencong cannot be drawn and used it may signify peaceful intention by the wearer. Similar conventions exist with the position in which a keris is worn in Jawa.
The handle must have the 90 degree extension of the handle pointing down---as in the photo of the freedom fighter--- if it is to be drawn and used to thrust.
With the 90 degree extension of the handle pointing up, the rencong can only be drawn and used to slash, and it is not a weapon designed, or intended, for slashing.

I claim no expertise or special knowledge in the field of the rencong, I am merely passing on information that is in my possession.

Andrew · 2nd May 2006, 05:15 AM

Welcome, A.G. Excellent information, thank you for sharing. It's really nice to see you here.

drdavid · 2nd May 2006, 08:50 AM

I received my Rencong so here it is. I have to say I think it is the nicest thing in my collection at this stage. The blade is 18 cm (7") and overall length about 30cm (12"). Well made and the patina on the ivory is developing nicely. It would certainly inflict a nasty slashing cut but if used as a stabbing ripping weapon (as described in A.G.s post) I think it would be much more damaging. Sorry about the quality of the images, no natural light around right now.
DrD

7th March 2005, 02:07 AM	#1
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	Ferguson, that's an excellent piece....drool. (we have similar taste...) Last edited by Alam Shah; 7th March 2005 at 03:35 AM.

7th March 2005, 02:15 AM	#2
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	Conorge, that's a very nice old piece you have there...drool. Any idea how old is it? The blade material look like those of keris. A close up picture of the blade would be nice. Where's the other picture...? Last edited by Alam Shah; 7th March 2005 at 03:26 AM.

1st May 2006, 06:12 AM	#4
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	article on how to handle a rencong. The link point to an article, how to handle a rencong. http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php In my gallery (pg. 2), there are a few rencongs for viewing as well. http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...bum.php&page=2 Enjoy. Last edited by Alam Shah; 1st May 2006 at 07:09 AM. Reason: added links...

2nd May 2006, 04:57 AM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,019	I present the following for consideration:- Draeger:- "Weapons and Fighting Arts of the Indonesian Archipelago" "---The rentjong is employed according to its length, which varies from about five to twenty inches. The shorter lengths are highly favoured because they can be easily concealed.The rencong is worn sheathed at the left hand side of the bearer. It is usually drawn with the left foot forward so that by a quick, short step forward with the right foot the thrust of the knife recieves added impetus. The blade is withdrawn from its sheath, cutting edge towards the enemy. It is then whipped to the right by a snap of the hand which brings the palm upward; the elbow is held fairly close to the body. The thrust is made by extending the right arm almost to full extension and turning the palm downward just prior to penetration of the target. Vital areas include the abdominal cavity, the groin, the throat, and the kidney regions." Martosedono:- "Mengenal Senjata Tradisional Kita" ( know our traditional weapons) "Jadi Reuncong Meucegok adalah Reuncong yang tangkainya melengkung, yakni suatu alat penikam paling ampuh ---" Martosedono makes several references to the rencong being a stabbing weapon. Harsrinuksmo:- "Ensiklopedi Keris" "Dalam pertempuran jarak dekat, rencong cukup andal digunakan sebagai senjata tikam" ( In close combat the rencong is adequate for use as a stabbing weapon). Note photograph of King Ubit, West Sumatra, seated, handle of rencong pointed up. Note photograph of Achenese freedom fighter, third quarter of 19th century, standing, handle of rencong pointing down. A handle with the 90 degree extension pointing down while seated would possibly be a little uncomfortable. Or perhaps this is a dress convention:- by placing the handle in a position where the rencong cannot be drawn and used it may signify peaceful intention by the wearer. Similar conventions exist with the position in which a keris is worn in Jawa. The handle must have the 90 degree extension of the handle pointing down---as in the photo of the freedom fighter--- if it is to be drawn and used to thrust. With the 90 degree extension of the handle pointing up, the rencong can only be drawn and used to slash, and it is not a weapon designed, or intended, for slashing. I claim no expertise or special knowledge in the field of the rencong, I am merely passing on information that is in my possession. Attached Images

2nd May 2006, 08:50 AM	#7
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 372	I received my Rencong so here it is. I have to say I think it is the nicest thing in my collection at this stage. The blade is 18 cm (7") and overall length about 30cm (12"). Well made and the patina on the ivory is developing nicely. It would certainly inflict a nasty slashing cut but if used as a stabbing ripping weapon (as described in A.G.s post) I think it would be much more damaging. Sorry about the quality of the images, no natural light around right now. DrD Attached Images

1st May 2006, 05:58 AM	#3
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 372	Am just waiting on a Rencong I recently purchased and was wondering how the heck does one hold a rencong. It looks a little awkward with the handle shape. Anyone have a photo that might help my mental contortions cheers DrD

2nd May 2006, 05:15 AM	#6
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Welcome, A.G. Excellent information, thank you for sharing. It's really nice to see you here.