For those of you with an interest in Taiwan Aboriginal stuff

KuKulzA28 · 28th November 2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PUFF

I also obtain my larow(s) from an Atayal smith in Tong-Men.

But your pieces are far more impressive with woven thing on handle.

And, yes, finding the place needs a bit of work.

The Tong-men ones are decent, but are not as good quality. Maybe they will make high quality ones for certain people or on special order? The one I got from Tong-men doesn't even compare to the laraw I got more recently. I wonder if other tribes also have 'unknown' blacksmiths who make them blades privately. My guess is the Paiwan and Amis who still have larger populations might have them. They have the straighter blades.

Like these:

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearn

Me jealous? No way

Two questions, though. One is whether that hollow handle is welded shut or not. It may sound like a goofy question, but does it ring like a bell when you hit it? I have one of those cheap Cold Steel Bushman knives that has a hollow handle, and it actually makes a decent cowbell.

The hollow handle's seam disappears past the rattan wrapping so I think it does get welding further towards the blade, but at the every butt end the seam can be seen. It does ring a bit like a bell.

Hope that helps.

David · 28th November 2009, 04:58 PM

Very interesting and informative post. I did, however, edit your link to the website. You cannot post links to commercial sites on these forums. That is for the Swap Forum only.

KuKulzA28 · 28th November 2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Very interesting and informative post. I did, however, edit your link to the website. You cannot post links to commercial sites on these forums. That is for the Swap Forum only.

Thanks, sorry for that!

KuKulzA28 · 29th November 2009, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KuKulzA28

I wonder if other tribes also have 'unknown' blacksmiths who make them blades privately. My guess is the Paiwan and Amis who still have larger populations might have them. They have the straighter blades.

Does anyone have info on this?

Also, if anyone has laraw and other yuanzhumin blades, I'm sure the rest of us would love to see 'em.

28th November 2009, 04:58 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,250	Very interesting and informative post. I did, however, edit your link to the website. You cannot post links to commercial sites on these forums. That is for the Swap Forum only.