Kris Cutlery Moro Kampilan
Jun 15, 2013 21:54:08 GMT
Post by Matthew.Jensen on Jun 15, 2013 21:54:08 GMT
Introduction
This is my second review for SBG and I thought I would go with one of my regular cutters, the Kris Cutlery Moro Kampilan.
I study FMA and this is a blade that I picked up to be able to start cutting using some of the largo techniques that I study in class. I was able to pick this Moro Kampilan up for under $200 with a sale that was available through Kris Cutlery. It was the right price for me to pick something up that I knew would receive more than its fair share of punishment. I opted to pick this one up because it was less expensive than the products available from TFW and there are not many other brands that make them. I have not seen many blade manufacturers that make kampilan…so, I bought this one on impulse, Woooo HOOOO impulse!
Historical Overview
I have very little knowledge of Filipino weapons from a historic perspective but I have had the chance to see a few historic Kampilan in person. In a nutshell the kampilan is long sword used by Filipino warriors throughout history. This was actually the type of blade that is believed to have slain Magellan. They typically have a pommel/butt/punyo that looks like an alligator mouth, and one handed grip, and a wide hardwood hilt/guard that lined up with the edge. The hilt might also have a bit staple on it that held chainmail to protect the user’s hand.
The blade is characteristically wider at the tip than the base making the blade naturally tip heavy. Also the tip might have a pinned barb at the end (handing for clipping arteries or hooking your enemy) or a drop tip style tip.
The kampilan, like other Filipino weapons could have a wrap on the grip or ornate carvings over the entire handle but it varied from piece to piece. They were a long and heavy weapon with a very unique style of combat.
There is a lot about the history of the Kampilan that I am sure I am leaving out. What I can tell you is the blade style was around before the 1500’s but I don’t know when they were first made or what they were derived from.
Full Disclosure
I am not affiliated with Kris Cutlery or any other manufacture of modern production arms.
I am writing this review in an effort to contribute to the community and not for any type of compensation.
I am a novice collector and trader of both antique and modern edged weapons.
I have studied Eskrima for almost three years as of 2013. I regularly work on largo style techniques and cut with this kampilan.
This is the only Kamilan I have ever used to cut hard targets.
Initial Impressions
I ordered this blade through Minnesota Karate Supply. The owner there (Kerry) helped me get this blade at a great price. I asked Kerry to look over the blade before I drove down to pick it up so I did not get the job of removing it from the packaging. I can say that the blade arrived in perfect shape the first time without any issue. I liked the look and feel of the blade right out of the gate but it is very different than the katana I am used to holding.
Statistics
This is my second review for SBG and I thought I would go with one of my regular cutters, the Kris Cutlery Moro Kampilan.
I study FMA and this is a blade that I picked up to be able to start cutting using some of the largo techniques that I study in class. I was able to pick this Moro Kampilan up for under $200 with a sale that was available through Kris Cutlery. It was the right price for me to pick something up that I knew would receive more than its fair share of punishment. I opted to pick this one up because it was less expensive than the products available from TFW and there are not many other brands that make them. I have not seen many blade manufacturers that make kampilan…so, I bought this one on impulse, Woooo HOOOO impulse!
Historical Overview
I have very little knowledge of Filipino weapons from a historic perspective but I have had the chance to see a few historic Kampilan in person. In a nutshell the kampilan is long sword used by Filipino warriors throughout history. This was actually the type of blade that is believed to have slain Magellan. They typically have a pommel/butt/punyo that looks like an alligator mouth, and one handed grip, and a wide hardwood hilt/guard that lined up with the edge. The hilt might also have a bit staple on it that held chainmail to protect the user’s hand.
The blade is characteristically wider at the tip than the base making the blade naturally tip heavy. Also the tip might have a pinned barb at the end (handing for clipping arteries or hooking your enemy) or a drop tip style tip.
The kampilan, like other Filipino weapons could have a wrap on the grip or ornate carvings over the entire handle but it varied from piece to piece. They were a long and heavy weapon with a very unique style of combat.
There is a lot about the history of the Kampilan that I am sure I am leaving out. What I can tell you is the blade style was around before the 1500’s but I don’t know when they were first made or what they were derived from.
Full Disclosure
I am not affiliated with Kris Cutlery or any other manufacture of modern production arms.
I am writing this review in an effort to contribute to the community and not for any type of compensation.
I am a novice collector and trader of both antique and modern edged weapons.
I have studied Eskrima for almost three years as of 2013. I regularly work on largo style techniques and cut with this kampilan.
This is the only Kamilan I have ever used to cut hard targets.
Initial Impressions
I ordered this blade through Minnesota Karate Supply. The owner there (Kerry) helped me get this blade at a great price. I asked Kerry to look over the blade before I drove down to pick it up so I did not get the job of removing it from the packaging. I can say that the blade arrived in perfect shape the first time without any issue. I liked the look and feel of the blade right out of the gate but it is very different than the katana I am used to holding.
Statistics
- Blade Length: 27”
Handle Length: 11” total (3.5” grip)
Overall Length: 38”
Guard: Width: 6”x1.5”
POB (Point of Balance): 5” from guard
Weight: About 2lb[/list:u]
The Blade
The blade is a basic through hardened 5160 carbon steel. It has a .25” thick spine at the base and .125” at the tip that tapers down to an almost zero bevel edge.
Unlike the Iranun kampilan this one has the barb at the tip. The barb is not sharp however so from my understanding it servers a limited function. The blade has a very mean appearance to most people because most folks are used to seeing a European or Japanese blade.
This looks like something more like a torture device rather than a sword. That said the shape has been consistent throughout history and the scary appearance has more to do with the fact that they are less common.