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Post by dirtbagd on Sept 27, 2013 6:23:09 GMT
Hello Everyone, I am a new member and this is my first post. I am also new to swords and I am looking for a Ginunting to have as my first sword. In a perfect world I would buy a Typhoon Blades Force Recon Marine Ginunting 2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNo5mCtq_Uw/T ... unting.jpg But I tried contacting them and have never heard back. It looks like for now my choices are to have either a TFW Ginunting traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/Ginunting.html Or a Kalahi Customs Ginunting kombatweapons.blogspot.com/2012/ ... rines.html I really like the craftsmanship put into the TFW blade but I feel like the point/tip of their sword is a bit to blunt. The Kalahi Customs blade looks awesome but even in the picture I can see some minor imperfections when carving the handle and shaping the edge and am a bit weary to purchase one from them. I am not opposed to purchase one from a different sword maker other then the ones I have stated. These are just the only ones I have been able to find available. If anyone can give me their input or help in anyway with getting a real live blade Ginunting in my hands it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance everyone, D |
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Post by stickem on Sept 27, 2013 12:46:08 GMT
Hi dirtbag! Now that is fun to say :lol: My understanding is Typhoon no longer makes these. I have the Kalahi Custom Blades Sgt. Prado Marines Ginunting so I recommend that one from experience. I have been meaning to do a review on it here but haven't had the time lately as my daughter just turned 6 months old. The only issue I had was getting it imported to the US. Took about 6 months due to some regulation or other with permits or something. Anyway, KCB was responsive to emails and so on the communication was good as long as I asked questions. There was another source for these called Pandaygear, which offered customization of different sheaths, blackening the blade, different guards, different blade lengths, and so on if this is what you are looking for. I have no experience buying one from Pandaygear and am not sure if they are are in business right now. The point being I am not certain Pandaygear or KCB actually makes these... rather I am thinking they represent the Top Prado forge who does in getting 'em to the US. Could be Typhoon was doing this as a vendor in the past. So my suggestion is contact Guro Allan at KCB by email. Ask him if these Sgt. Prados are available. Also tell him specifically of your customization wishes to see if he can make that happen. Here is a review of pepperskull's experience getting a custom from them: Kombat Weaponsnote KCB and Kombat Weapons are he same people, namely Allan Fami. I think his wife Karen helps as well. My Sgt Prado ginunting outclasses the TFW one, in my opinion. There is a video out there of Ron cutting with one and plenty of people here like TFW. So no worries if that is what you decide to do. However, sounds like you are on a quest like I was and pepperskull was. In which case, it should be worth the wait... if you can wait that long for your first sword :lol: The first sword I ever bought was an espada y daga from Kris Cutlery. Very good sword. But the last time I spoke with Cecil, his forge had no plans to make ginunting. You could do a lot worse than the Prado ginunting for your first sword  A lot :shock: If you have the funds, this one is also very nice: Pekiti-Tirsia Eriksenbut you could buy 3 Sgt Prados for that price... depends on how deep your pockets are I suppose... Does that answer your question? |
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Post by dirtbagd on Sept 28, 2013 6:31:12 GMT
Hey there Dirtbag! Lol I"m sorry about that Stickem I just had to try it for myself, and you're right, it is a lot of fun to say!  Thanks for all your help bro, and congratulations on becoming a new daddy and all. I just ran a quick search for Pandaygear but couldn't find a thing. I guess it's looking like I'll be getting a KCB SGT Prado blade. Well unless I hit the lotto and will able to afford that beautiful Eriksen Custom Combat Ginunting you showed me. I also saw another cool Ginunting style modern blade made by Biegler Bladeworks bieglerbladeworks.com/images/pro ... -small.jpg As for now I plan to take your advice after writing this reply and contact Kalahi Custom Blades to see if they have any SGT Prados in stock. I have also been talking to Ron at TFW and he has been nothing but helpful. It's just really their Ginunting's understated tip that has me not pulling the trigger on a TFW blade. I saw a youtube video where someone ground the tip down a bit and lacquered the sheath but it still isn't as pointy as the KCB's plus I like that it has an s-guard. The only thing I am curious about is why do you think your Sgt Prado Ginunting outclasses the TFW one? Seems like Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje who trains the Filipino Marines in their Pekiti-Tirsia Kali fighting system is endorsing the TFW Ginunting. But that could all just be about money and politics not so much the quality of the swords. Anyway I'm just curious. I'd like to learn as much as I possibly can before I purchase one. Thanks again for all the help. Dirtbag |
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Post by stickem on Sept 28, 2013 13:35:23 GMT
Hey Dirtbag! (something very Harry Callahan about saying this :lol: )
Well, it is not every day you can see the sword designers going head to head.
Here are Ron from TFW and Msgt. Prado... enjoy!
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Post by stickem on Sept 28, 2013 17:31:08 GMT
I'll try to post pics of sword-wielding baby for Halloween. She's a joy... You could try emailing them, but I think it may be a dead end. Here is the customization they were offering: Again, I'd suggest speaking by email with KCB as they have custom ginunting as well, like in pepperhead's post. If you have custom specs in mind, this may be the way to go instead of going with the Top Prado model I have, and this may be a cheaper option as well. There are YouTube videos of such customs, like this: Yes. The Eriksen one is very nice. Please note it is the one on Tuhon Gaje's website (the PTKGO is Tuhon Gaje's organization). So I don't want to get into a politically-based discussion about whether or not Ron's TFW ginunting is the "official" one of PTK. Just note it isn't the one Gaje himself is selling. He sells Eriksens. Also note that Msgt. Prado is a Pekiti-Tirsia instructor as well as a Philippine Marine. Again, not to get into politics, but safe to say both Tuhon Gaje and Prado train the Marines in PTK I was first introduced to PTK by Tuhon Inosanto. That said, my primary PTK-specific training has been with Tuhon McGrath. Since I have not made a trip to the Philippines, I cannot say I trained with either Tuhon Gaje or Prado personally. To be fair, I have not held the TFW ginunting in hand, so I cannot speak to this from personal experience. It is just my opinion based on what I see on the internet of TFW's ginunting and noticing things like the sharpened swedge/beak tip, the borde steel S-guard, the kamagong sheath, etc. on the Prado, which the TFW version doesn't have. Speaking of which, here's the video of Ron cutting with a TFW: Attachments:
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Post by dirtbagd on Sept 29, 2013 8:44:09 GMT
Hey Stickem, Go ahead, make my day...Oh wait...You just did! Thanks so much Bro, I am so glad I joined SBG forum and that you came to my aid. I just faceboook messaged Panday Gear and have messaged KCB yesterday but haven't heard back yet. Maybe I should also shoot Panday Gear an email inquiring just in case they don't get my facebook message. Their last active post was on July 4th which seemed like a possible promise to have some available but I think you are right about it being a dead end. Especially if I want one ASAP. Now I just have to anxiously wait for my reply from KCB. So your blade doesn't look like this? Let me find out you have a Typhoon look a like Ginunting like those Panday Gear blades I have been just been oogeling over lol. Right now I would be happy with either the Panday Gear or the KCB but I still like the pointier tip from KCB and how they secure their blade to the handle. I'm no sword smith but I imagine that brass end cap on the bottom of the TFW and KCB's handle to be more durable. What do I know though right, I am just looking at them in pictures lol. If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for yours? Thanks for all the links. I never realized that SGT Prado is the same guy from that Fight Quest Kali episode. If I remember correctly he gave the two guys swords at the end of the program. What a great fight between Ron and SGT Prado. Also just peeked and saw him fighting with Sgt Baltazar. That PTK is no joke. Makes me want to find somewhere in my area to take classes. Sure looks like a blast! I have some boxing and martial arts experience but always wanted to learn how to properly use a stick and blade. Once again thanks for all your help. You're the best, and I look forward to seeing a sword wielding baby for Halloween |
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Post by stickem on Sept 29, 2013 12:12:38 GMT
You're welcome, dirtbag... Msgt. Prado is the one on the right at about 2:27 with live blade and no shirt. Tuhon Gaje begins speaking at about 2:50. He's wearing the colorful shirt. Tuhon Gaje is also in this one at about 14:30 where they do the water buffalo. This is Msgt Prado using a ginunting in sinawali: The Pekiti-Tirsia triangle is the logo you see on the KCB Prado ginunting. It is on the blade near the handle:  In general, the ginunting is associated with PTK. The word "ginunting" means scissors. "Pekiti-Tirsia" means to cut up into small pieces up close (as in, at close range). |
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Post by dirtbagd on Sept 29, 2013 13:19:14 GMT
Thanks for the links Stickem, I have been watching youtube videos and looking at pictures of Filipino swords, and reading articles and reviews since my last reply here. I am obsessed! I even watched a 50 minute video of Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje explaining the history of PTK while sitting on a couch holding a Ginunting. It Seems like I was able to find a price on the PandayGear swords on their facebook page www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater I am also loving their Talibung but they're about double the price of a KCB or TFW sword. I am starting to suspect that SGT Prado has something to do with their company because he is fairly active on their page. Here's an example www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater I am not ready to spend $400 at the moment so it's looking more and more like I will have a KCB Ginunting. Thanks again. Your pal, Dirtbag |
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Post by stickem on Sept 29, 2013 15:35:56 GMT
Where do you live?
I will try to find a FMA teacher in your area if you'd like...
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Post by dirtbagd on Sept 29, 2013 18:01:07 GMT
I am in Jersey at the moment but will be moving back to NYC in a month and wont really have time to train for a few more months so there's no rush. But thanks so much for the offer. The sword is actually going to be a sorta house warming gift to myself. Especially since I can't bring my guns with me  I just came back here to tell you that Panday Gear got back to me and said they have several 18 inch ginuntings on the way. It's all getting pretty interesting. |
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Post by stickem on Sept 29, 2013 18:33:58 GMT
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Post by dirtbagd on Sept 30, 2013 9:28:40 GMT
Thanks Stickem, He has a great bio |
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Post by dirtbagd on Sept 30, 2013 10:03:20 GMT
Beautiful sword by the way, I didn't realize that was yours in the picture. I'd sure like to have one just like that without the engraving. Thanks again for all your help!
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Post by dirtbagd on Sept 30, 2013 11:36:10 GMT
[/quote]
Sorry Stickem,
I just really realized what you were saying. This whole time stupidly I was thinking that they were all making their own swords. Thanks for being patient with me and also for all your help through this.
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Post by stickem on Sept 30, 2013 19:32:08 GMT
Just for clarification, I think the Top Prado forge is different than KCB/Kombat Weapons. So the Prado ginuntings sold by both KCB and Pandaygear come from the same place - the Top Prado Forge - just more than one vendor represents them in US sales. That said, KCB also offers other things probably made at other places. The point being if you order a KCB custom, for example, it is probably coming from a different source than the Prado forge. On the other hand, from the looks of Pandaygear's offerings, they all seem to come from Prado. At least the designs and materials all look similar enough for me to think so. The bottom line being if you order the Sgt Prado I have, Pandaygear and KCB seem to be selling the same thing. If you want something else, they may come from different sources. That make sense? If you read the link from Pepperskull about his search for a ginunting, he has a better handle on the locations of Filipino forges than I do... My advice to you is make sure you get shipping quotes when comparing prices. Shipping from Phillipines to US is expensive. Mine was $450 including shipping but keep in mind $100 of that may be for the shipping itself... no small matter because some exporters have permits and some don't and so on, which is why most folks go with KC or TFW since theirs are already in the US. No worries. Just let us know what you decide to do and post pics when it arrives |
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Post by dirtbagd on Oct 1, 2013 6:46:10 GMT
Hey Stickem, Thanks for further clarifying everything for me. I have been emailing with KCB/Kombat Weapons and Panday Gear and I am torn as to what I should do. At the moment KCB/Kombat Weapons is offering me a sword for less but I don't believe it to be a Top Prado model (not that they are claiming it is). However it is still a beautiful sword. Everyone, I have spoken to including you, has been extremely helpful. Now I just have to make up my mind. In my heart I know I should probably just take your advice and go with a KCB custom instead of a Top Prado to save some bucks and time. But... I'd really like one made by Prado because aside from the swords being beautiful I really just like the idea of one coming from him. For me it is sort of like finding the Holy Grail while not expecting for it to exist during my quest. I think if I am going to wait to have Sgt Prado make one for me I may just have to get a Talibung instead of a Ginunting. I really just like that pointy tip and with all due respect wish their Ginunting's was a bit pointier. I have tried to find information and insight regarding the Talibung but haven't come up anything more then a comment about them from SGT Prado on Panday Gear's facebook page. In my madness I sort of recall reading or hearing on youtube that it is a modern version of the Talibong but that is about it. Do you have any opinion about them? Whatever I choose to do I will be sure to keep posting about my experience and you better believe you will see some pictures of whatever I wind up with in the future. I really appreciate all your help. And will also tack on a link to pepperskull's experience here in case another person on the same quest one day stumbles across this post. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2632&p=31965&hilit=ginunting#p31965Your Pal, Dirtbag |
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Post by stickem on Oct 1, 2013 17:17:38 GMT
Hey dirtbag... you're quite welcome. Wish I had had more help navigating this stuff on my quest for a ginunting so glad to help I think the fellow at Pandaygear is named Juric. Ask him your specific ?s about what is available and the wait for what is to come. As far as their talibung goes, from their cartoon I posted previously, it looks similar to a KC pinute I have. You'll probably like that one as well. The ginunting typically have a false edge (swedge) on the last 3rd of the blade and this is good for specific techniques in PTK, like the watik where you cut with the back of the blade. Also you follow through and chamber at the shoulder, use double force on cuts pressing the spine with your off hand, and so on, so there are good reasons for this design. It was thought out  That said, a pinute or talibung shape is probably more suited to thrusting movements, so I understand why you'd want a sharper point. No worries All 3 of these designs (pinute, ginunting, and talibung) are of Vasayan origin I think... BTW, TFW has a talibong with a nice belly, which sort of resembles a khukri that kept growing. I've been looking at that one too... So you could get a ginunting now and a talibung later... you'll end up with more than one anyway, swords tend to multiply like tribbles in my experience :lol: The main thing is since you are on a quest, get something from the Philippines and be OK with having to wait a little while for it to get here. That's half the fun of a quest... being willing to put in the time and effort to get exactly what you have in mind will be worth it |
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A lot :shock: 
Thanks for all your help bro, and congratulations on becoming a new daddy and all. 
