The Filipino Moro Kris Sword - this is a weapon I have grown quite fond of recently. / historicalfencing / scholagladiatoria www.fioredeiliberi.org/antique...
I just found this video searching for a way to restore an old shortsword-length kris a friend gave me--I'm Filipino, and a blade collector. Your collection is lovely. If you don't mind me putting in my two cents' worth, I spoke with some swordsmiths in Zamboanga some years ago because I wanted to buy a blade or two. The more ornate ones are still useful as weapons. You are correct in saying these are meant to denote the status of their owners, but that's a holdover from the heyday of the sultanates in Mindanao, where Zamboanga City is located. The simpler ones are meant to be combat-ready, a weapon you won't weep over if it breaks on the battlefield. My kris is simpler, with fewer waves and, despite the rust, age, and worn-out leather sheath, the blade is still very sharp. Handling it, however, I found that the blade had beautiful balance to it--so good I could do a Chinese sword dance with it, in fact. We're a very practical people. If you see the pretty and ornate weapons, they're still useful as weapons, but we're more likely to carry or set them on a wall for display purposes--and many of us are the the same way with guns. We'll keep the simpler, less ornate weaponry for actual use.
"I've got a new tape measure, 'cause I broke my other one; 'cause my tape measures get a lot of hard use." - Matt Easton, master of double-wielding entendres.
The cleaning videos are nice when we're not shown the end product beforehand, it piques one's curiosity as to how the blade will look when it's finished and encourages viewing.
I find the quality of Filipino sword blades is generally outstanding. I have never held a Filipino sword that was not high quality and beautifully crafted.
@kwentongpalepilsen4829 it most definitely is not. It's most associated with the Javanese Perhaps you assumed that was a typo, but it isn't. Javanese is a legit, actual culture.
I feel that the thing you said about people in Southeast Asia wearing relatively little clothing pretty much explains the difference between Kali knife-fighting and European dagger-fighting, because Europeans wore a lot of clothes, slashing wasn't very effective (as demonstrated by that video Skallagrim made some time ago), therefore the systems mostly revolve around strong thrusts, and in comparison you can rather easily sever tendons and arteries by quick slashes if the enemy isn't covered by a lot of cloth.
Pentti Koivuniemi the Kris is a significant part of higher level Pentak Silat in it's traditional form, which is very little taught these days. You'd need to live as an indig for decades to learn the higher secrets though.
about this kris, i read somewhere that it was originally from malaysia and indonesia. when it came to philipines, they created a sword version, and called it "kalis". people in tropical countries cant wear too much clothing because of the climate. they also needed chopping tools in fields and jungles. when the us military tried to colonize philippines in the late 19th and early 20th century, the filipino nationalists used chopping swords and single shot pistols as a sidearms. the us military adopted a new concept because of the terrain, and clothing that people wear, and so the "bolo-bayonet" was born. i heard the filipinos stole the bolo bayonets after ww2. they seemed to like them so much, till now they dont have a modern bayonet that can fill in the same role. the us military also got some filipino swords and daggers captured during the us-filipino war and ww2.
@@usaisthebestiockdownpoiice816 The origin of Kris is Java Indonesia, for a good ancient Kris needs 6 months to 1 year to manufactured by royal Mpu (royal blakcsmiths ). Kris used to be owned by Kings, nobilities, aristocrats as code of royal ethics and social status. Javanese Kris had been also recorded being mounted to spears during Cirebon Sultanates war against the dutch in 17th century.
@Dodadeus The design defeat the purpose, I`m not sure what the purpose having curves in that sword? In my opinion, just like today in modern warfare many weapon companies developed fail products or products with ugly designs and in Moro Keris case, it seems to have been a fail product for both foot warriors and aristocrats.
@Dodadeus I bet it was against banana trees, right? Have you tested against another swords? Say, arabic sword, chinese sword or filippino machete? We are talking about ancient warfare here, not ancient massacre on unarmed civilians.
You mentioned poisoned blade, would you consider making a whole video about this topic? I seem to remember you talked about it in passing somewhere, but it would be interesting to have a dedicated video
sonny19931 I've heard they often forged antimony and arsenic into the blade creating an alloyed material during forging, as well as the mystical elements as traditional Kris smithing is a world apart from western bladesmithing, incorporating the imparting of a spirit to the blade during the ceremony. Even now there are few Kris makers willing to impart the real secrets. The only video's I have seen have been smithing in the western style, just forging with hammer and fire. I would dearly love to see a rural, traditional, Kris maker creating a blade, with the ceremonial aspect also shown.
Considering the temperatures forging is done at, I would think the smith would drop dead of poisoning very early in the game. I think the empu's incorporated as much "hype" into their work as any Japanese smith.
There's a nice collection of filipino weapons in the Museo Naval in Madrid, Spain, in case someone has the chance to go. I saw them last sunday, very cool!
I've just check and you're right! >:( But when I wrote that comment, EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT... He had all of his videos and I've even watched some of the classics! Now everything is gone! WTF!!!!! Can this be fixed some how?
It's not gone, you just have to look for everything through the playlists. Maybe they're still sorting things out, or they left it to him. Let's wait that out. He's already said, there will be a video tomorrow.
good to hear he can log in, I was wondering after having to hunt and find a subscribe button anywhere on his channel. *passively clicks "get all notifications"*
Love them sword kriss design. Something that looks mystical & exotic about it. I wonder if there is a western medieval arming one handed sword design that resembles kriss wavy blades.
i read that the wavy kriss was designed to make wounds more serious, as twisted as thrusting-in, & twisted when withdrawing; also, waves were to be FELT by BOTH parties of a deep thrust (thruster&thrustee), as each wave-crest contacted a bone, tendon, organ...this is a function of the Arrested Development (psychological, sociological, philosophical), of the users; also, note all the catch-points at the rear of blades-- the blade-waves could act as catch-points for enemy blades, sticks, spear shafts, for fancy dojo BS (jungle-as-dojo)
Thanks for the video, the Moro Kris is a really interesting blade to talk about. Also, in regards to the cleaning videos, I do enjoy them, especially with the funny commentary. :)
The cleaning video is pretty good especially with all the innuendos had me chuckling to myself. The kris is a really cool sword would be interested in some of the history.
Yes to more cleaning and yes to Lucy. Looking forward to seeing how you deal with the hilt of the sword you have already put up vids of cleaning blade and scabbard.
you we're right about 9:11 that dagger-sized kris is primarily a dressing accessories & a tertiary weapon. I don't know about the other cultures such as the Malay, South Thailand & Mindanao (South Philippines), etc. but for the Javanese, they usually wear the kris: -at the rear hip, during peaceful times (stating that violence is the last thing they want) -at the front/side of the hip, during warring times (stating that they are willing to fight) upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/Keris_Wearing_in_Java.JPG/654px-Keris_Wearing_in_Java.JPG
WibuSquire That is true. From Malayan culture perspective, it is as decorative pieces wore by warriors from different classes either foot soldiers, peasant, nobilities, officers, general, court officials, and royalties. But Malayan people always tied or slip in the front instead of at the back. Even during peace time because they had to be alert and cautious because of pirates, raiders, robbers and invaders from the north which is the Siamese kingdom who always wage war with Malayan kingdoms to expand their empire to whole Malayan peninsular nowadays peninsular of Malaysia. Even some Malayan people who lived near the border of Siam practices the martial arts of the Siamese which people nowadays refer them as Muay Boran although during classical times the were called Muay. The Malayan people called or refer to the art as Tomoi and it has a lot of similarities with Siamese Muay Boran but with differences in some execution of techniques and moves. Some of them even practice both arts of Tomoi and Silat.
About the shape of the dagger-sized keris shown in the video, that's the one for ceremonial purposes (and show the status of the owner of course). Generally, there are two kinds of keris, "gaman" and "ageman." (Javanese) Gaman means weapon, and ageman means ceremonial/dressing. The "gaman" ones were only slightly ornated and the blades were made of steel, and sometimes you can find them as spearheads too, while the "ageman" were made of mixtures of several different metals to make beautiful patterns. A lot of blacksmiths nowadays here just make the ceremonial ones because they sell quite well (because Javanese had to wear them in ceremonies and their wedding day too) and also the law that bans on carrying a weapon around.
You should show us how to clean detail work on hilts with flowery designs, so that people who have recently acquired antique officer´s sabers from the first World War can restore them...I, er, have a friend who wants to know...
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The pistol grip also aids in drawing. Sent you a pic from one of my books on kerises as for the terminology of different parts. Finally the thing about poisoned blades is myth
I think arsenic may have been used to clean the keris traditionally. I am not sure how much of it would be stuck on the blade or whether it would be poisonous with a cut.
6 ปีที่แล้ว
Guru Chaz probably not. natural arsenic as a poison is quite unpredictable due to differences in chemical structure.
Seems like you need to interview Doug Marcaida about some of the features and fighting styles. I know how hard that would be to arrange, but darn, what a coup if you could manage it. Offer to buy him lunch maybe?
You should do a video about the cool shields that you showed in the pictures. Specifically the ones with the deep notches in the top and bottom. Those look interesting.
good video i always like the videos with photos etc inserted - and now with thrands account back live maybe some test cutting or analysis from a different viewpoint from across the pond.....
Actually the Moros were pretty much the Fremen of the southern Philippine Archipelago, so the analogy is very apt. They're also (according to legend) the reason the Americans developed the M1911 since US infantrymen needed a large-caliber bullet to stop a Moro. A Moro warrior with blade in hand would tie tourniquets at his vital points so he won't bleed out as he charged at his enemies with his weapon. And this worked--Spain never totally conquered the Sultanate of Sulu and the Americans only managed to do so after much trouble.
I recently picked up one with a straight blade, three narrow fullers, very sharp and double edged, rounded tip sharpened all around. There are two interesting marks stamped each side of the blade, basically half-moon shapes.
The handle is a bit loose but mainly due to a crack under the wrapping. I think I may be able to repair it and salvage the nice bird-beak pommel. The blade is quite thick and substantial, definitely seen hard use.
Handle loosening could also be due to the handles being fitted in a hot humid environment? I know sometimes weapons from TFW develop cracks due to that.
First of all, big fan! I have a request, however. Could you at some point cover svardstavs as used by the landschnekt or similar "hewing" spears in more detail? Particularly if there's any manuals describing their use. Cheers!
I wonder if that was my comment a while back. I remember specifically asking about the Filipino weapons. I particularly like the Ginunting, and Guyang style ones. I always think about poking myself with the jagged stuff common on the Kris.
you said about the forward angle on a kukri, that made me really interested in a comparison between a kukri and a parang. they are both tried and tested designs but, which is better for what?
Re: cleaning up a pattern-welded weapons: Do the different metals corrode/dirty up at different rates? I know they react differently to etching chemicals thus revealing a pattern, but what about for durability and maintenance concerns? And do pattern-welded metals require extra care when you clean, sharpen, and generally maintain them?
Yes, they do corrode at different rates. We can even make out the pattern welding on "viking" era swords because some alloys corrode much slower or more shallowly. Cleaning is generally similar, it's only different when you get to re-etching. In the case of very deeply etched blades, you may need to be careful to avoid overcleaning and blending the lines, so using a metal polish is more appropriate than for example sandpaper on a wooden block (not recommended for antiques in general, but there are of course modern pattern welded blades)
I believe the coment you mention was me saying "for someone who said he didn't intend to colect krissyoucertainly have a lot of them all of a sudden" or something like that
it's malay (the ethnicity, not the nationality). they got around south east asia during pre colonial times. that's why the filipinos malaysians and indonesians have so much in common. bahasa and tagalog even have a ton of shared/similar words.
same roots, but they're pretty different people. although those common traits and origins and customs are pretty strong. colonialism and geographic separation over the centuries tends to make differences. religion as well.
yep. mindanao is muslim. visayas and luzon are mostly catholic. best descriptor of the Philippines is "Malay parents, 300 years in a Spanish convent, 50 years in american Hollywood, and 4-5 or so years putting up with Japan."
Come to think of it, there is a similarity with other Filipino blades, the ginunting. Skall has a review of it. Ignore the waves that don't add much to the weight distribution, it's a pistol grip short sword or machete with a front oriented points. in terms of acceleration they work like kukri, falx and all front curved swords this size. You can do push cuts, thrusts become rather stab cut. They are quirky wavy front cutters.
From what I've read, more "waviness" does indicate status of the warrior. It was also believed to have increased thrusting power. Not really sure though, I only read a bit about it in a traditional filipino weapons website.
JF Buno yes indeed. In traditional Malayan cultures, the number of waves indicate the wielder's status either he is a peasant, soldiers, nobilities, high ranking officers, generals, or royalties. This is applicable to the one Matt holding in 9:13. The reasons behind it was because in Malayan culture a Malayan warrior would not be complete with out his/her keris tuck in their garments. Kind of similar to katana to samurai in the value of identity and warrior ethos to them.
Hey, Matt. You should try researching on the warrior culture of the Ifugao, the renowned headhunters of the Philippines. They're the perfect example of unarmored warriors for the archipelago.
The "poison blade" stuff is more in reference the smaller Indonesian (and I believe) Malaysian Kris (the knife sized variety). I myself have wondered how that poison holds up over time or if it ever worked well. It was supposedly achieved by mixing in stuff like arsenic and venoms. I'm not personally convinced this stuff survives the heat of the construction process. There's also a process of using a sort of "poison whetstone" but that's just slathing the edge of a blade in poison and not some inherent poison quality. I do know a cruder way to do it was to include metals like lead into the steel mix. You can see when this has been done and I tend to just stay away from those. From my understanding a blade that shows that color was probably also forged with other "blade poison" methods as well. I've never heard of a Filipino kris being poisoned.
Matt, I'd love to see test cutting with Kris specifically against cloth & unarmored targets.. And specifically compared to similar feeling blades - I've wondered about the exact effect of the wavy blade for decades!AND I'm sick of seeing these Kris on yer wall.. Somebody please buy them so we can get sabres & tulwar back!
I have a Moro Kris that I found at the late Farmington, CT Antique Show, maybe 20 years ago. It's fairly long - perhaps nearly 24" - with a somewhat mild wave to the blade. There is no pronounced "beak" to the pommel, and no ferrule or "strap" between the tang and the blade. There is some fine chisel work at the "guard", and some very delicate carving at either end of the scabbard. I do not think it is pattern-welded; although I am not experienced enough to tell for certain. I would estimate it to be from the late 19th to early 20th century; I know that when I brought some arms & armor to a local appraisal, they were most interested in the kris, and gave it a fairly high valuation. by the way, have you ever done a segment on the Dayak "parang" or "mandau"? I have a couple of these.
Your thoughts about the alignment of point and hand and how they facilitate thrusting and chopping echo my own comment from your original video. Although superficially the weapons look rather different this is very much the same dynamic as the Turkish Yataghan. Similar thrusting dynamic, similar alignment of the point and the blade provides a similar geometric protection for the hand.
Cleaning is good! We like those videos. They could be your sort of 'vlog' videos, like Metatron or Skall do. They may not reach 'everyone', but they will get to your core audience at least.
You could do cleaning/q&a livestreams on youtube, which would allow people to give you money for superchat. You and Lucy could trade off working on the sword while the other takes questions/comments from the chat. Then put the whole stream up as a video afterwards for people in other timezones and whatnot.
There are stories about moro insurgents using those kalis/kris/keris swords since the American colonial times right up to the present. I never heard of stories of moros using poison on those swords but I did hear weird stories and sometimes depicted in some local films (Mistah 1994 film) were those swords can chop right through a barrel of an m16 and in to the skull of the soldier the insurgents are fighting.
My instructor in martial arts is Native to the Phillippines, and his surname is Barongan. (sword maker?) in Tagalog. I have always been a fan of the Moro blades because of this, but i cant help but note how different the kris is compared to almost all the other blades with the serrated guard almost looking like it is on the wrong side. Could you comment on why that may be? Thanks
LogicaILy Insane thanks for the reply. I was under the assumption that Barong's were Moro swords from the (southern?) Philippine islands. So if it is not tagalog, what is its origin? Thanks
Something I've always wondered about the kris's hilt, why was the handguard more pronounced on the backside of the blade than the one on the front? Seems opposite of what you'd want in a fight.
I just found this video and it made me really happy. I study/practice Kali and the Kris is one of my favorite swords. I think it's one of the coolest looking swords out there.
Moro kris are fearsome weapons even in the present day conflicts with the Moros in the Southern part of our country, they are still viable weapons in jungle warfare. According to Philippine Army veterans of Moro pacification campaigns during the 70's, it can cut in two an M1 Garand rifle in half, moreso an M16 assault rifle.
Hey Matt where can you get these antique Moro Kris’s and other Filipino swords? Can you buy them online? I’m Filipino Canadian and I want to start collecting. Thanks!
Jay Carrera Can't help much on that front I'm afraid. Though some general advice would be to look in your general area for pawn shops or collectors. If you cannot get items from them, you can at least get some information and even referrals to other collections. Museums would also be a good place to ask. Finally, Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) clubs might also have some info or even antiques if you get lucky. Happy hunting, especially with the weapon bans in Canada. Shouldn't affect the antique-hunting though.
I'd check eBay but you have to watch out for fakes. In the US I've found a fair amount in antique shops and gun shows. Also look at ethnographic arms and armor to see if they have anybody posting for sale. Look up antique auction sites online as well.
That's something you can say if you sell swords. You can't actually say that if you sell computers. Computers are never used the wrong way until it's proven by two independent sources and their wives.
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The shorter one is a Moro kris. The longer version is Moro Christopher.
sf90001 This is an underappreciated comment.
But not quite as long as the Moro Kristofferson.
A bit too late in the party but a broken Kris is called Toper
the spanish call it moro cristobal
"my tape measures get a lot of hard use".
Come for the swords, stay for the innuendo
i liked & the amount of likes is now 69. lol
I just found this video searching for a way to restore an old shortsword-length kris a friend gave me--I'm Filipino, and a blade collector. Your collection is lovely.
If you don't mind me putting in my two cents' worth, I spoke with some swordsmiths in Zamboanga some years ago because I wanted to buy a blade or two. The more ornate ones are still useful as weapons. You are correct in saying these are meant to denote the status of their owners, but that's a holdover from the heyday of the sultanates in Mindanao, where Zamboanga City is located. The simpler ones are meant to be combat-ready, a weapon you won't weep over if it breaks on the battlefield.
My kris is simpler, with fewer waves and, despite the rust, age, and worn-out leather sheath, the blade is still very sharp. Handling it, however, I found that the blade had beautiful balance to it--so good I could do a Chinese sword dance with it, in fact. We're a very practical people. If you see the pretty and ornate weapons, they're still useful as weapons, but we're more likely to carry or set them on a wall for display purposes--and many of us are the the same way with guns. We'll keep the simpler, less ornate weaponry for actual use.
"I've got a new tape measure, 'cause I broke my other one; 'cause my tape measures get a lot of hard use." - Matt Easton, master of double-wielding entendres.
Lars Petter Simonsen oh come on..... I didn't even see that until you framed it up man....
Then he goes on to ask if we'd like to see Lucy polish his sword on video. Stop that tittering at the back. Love this channel.
5.02 "this is the one I pulled off first"
The cleaning videos are nice when we're not shown the end product beforehand, it piques one's curiosity as to how the blade will look when it's finished and encourages viewing.
Obligatory :Come on Matt you gotta let Lucy polish your sword.
Besides that those are some really interessting designfeatures on the Kris.
It seems like southeast Asian swords are taking over his back wall.
I find the quality of Filipino sword blades is generally outstanding. I have never held a Filipino sword that was not high quality and beautifully crafted.
Moro kris is from japan
did you find your shabu? 🤣🤣@@kwentongpalepilsen4829
@kwentongpalepilsen4829 it most definitely is not. It's most associated with the Javanese
Perhaps you assumed that was a typo, but it isn't. Javanese is a legit, actual culture.
"Kris?"
"Keris"
"Ah, Kris. I like it"
"I bet you do"
- TorMatt Giantsbane
In Indonesian it is spelled keris.
that big one we call it sundang
@Kalobeast 55 Nice info, I thought sundang is the big brother of keris which specialize in hacking than stabing.
Sundang in my maguindanao dialect any kind of sword use for battle.
I feel that the thing you said about people in Southeast Asia wearing relatively little clothing pretty much explains the difference between Kali knife-fighting and European dagger-fighting, because Europeans wore a lot of clothes, slashing wasn't very effective (as demonstrated by that video Skallagrim made some time ago), therefore the systems mostly revolve around strong thrusts, and in comparison you can rather easily sever tendons and arteries by quick slashes if the enemy isn't covered by a lot of cloth.
Pentti Koivuniemi the Kris is a significant part of higher level Pentak Silat in it's traditional form, which is very little taught these days. You'd need to live as an indig for decades to learn the higher secrets though.
about this kris, i read somewhere that it was originally from malaysia and indonesia. when it came to philipines, they created a sword version, and called it "kalis". people in tropical countries cant wear too much clothing because of the climate. they also needed chopping tools in fields and jungles. when the us military tried to colonize philippines in the late 19th and early 20th century, the filipino nationalists used chopping swords and single shot pistols as a sidearms. the us military adopted a new concept because of the terrain, and clothing that people wear, and so the "bolo-bayonet" was born. i heard the filipinos stole the bolo bayonets after ww2. they seemed to like them so much, till now they dont have a modern bayonet that can fill in the same role. the us military also got some filipino swords and daggers captured during the us-filipino war and ww2.
@@usaisthebestiockdownpoiice816 The origin of Kris is Java Indonesia, for a good ancient Kris needs 6 months to 1 year to manufactured by royal Mpu (royal blakcsmiths ). Kris used to be owned by Kings, nobilities, aristocrats as code of royal ethics and social status. Javanese Kris had been also recorded being mounted to spears during Cirebon Sultanates war against the dutch in 17th century.
@Dodadeus The design defeat the purpose, I`m not sure what the purpose having curves in that sword? In my opinion, just like today in modern warfare many weapon companies developed fail products or products with ugly designs and in Moro Keris case, it seems to have been a fail product for both foot warriors and aristocrats.
@Dodadeus I bet it was against banana trees, right? Have you tested against another swords? Say, arabic sword, chinese sword or filippino machete? We are talking about ancient warfare here, not ancient massacre on unarmed civilians.
You mentioned poisoned blade, would you consider making a whole video about this topic? I seem to remember you talked about it in passing somewhere, but it would be interesting to have a dedicated video
sonny19931 I've heard they often forged antimony and arsenic into the blade creating an alloyed material during forging, as well as the mystical elements as traditional Kris smithing is a world apart from western bladesmithing, incorporating the imparting of a spirit to the blade during the ceremony.
Even now there are few Kris makers willing to impart the real secrets. The only video's I have seen have been smithing in the western style, just forging with hammer and fire. I would dearly love to see a rural, traditional, Kris maker creating a blade, with the ceremonial aspect also shown.
Considering the temperatures forging is done at, I would think the smith would drop dead of poisoning very early in the game. I think the empu's incorporated as much "hype" into their work as any Japanese smith.
There's a nice collection of filipino weapons in the Museo Naval in Madrid, Spain, in case someone has the chance to go. I saw them last sunday, very cool!
Probably stole them during the Spanish colonialism that happened during 15-18th century.
“You just pick them up in the hand, and yep, that’s a weapon” Matt you saucy minx.
Thrand's channel is back!!
You can only see his old videos via the playlists tho. And all the subscribers are gone.
I've just check and you're right! >:( But when I wrote that comment, EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT... He had all of his videos and I've even watched some of the classics! Now everything is gone! WTF!!!!!
Can this be fixed some how?
It's not gone, you just have to look for everything through the playlists. Maybe they're still sorting things out, or they left it to him. Let's wait that out. He's already said, there will be a video tomorrow.
good to hear he can log in, I was wondering after having to hunt and find a subscribe button anywhere on his channel.
*passively clicks "get all notifications"*
Just saw Shad's new video. In the comments, he said that it's a glitch and most likely be fixed in a day or two.
yes to cleaning videos. it teaches a lot of these people how to not ruin an antique.
Agreed. It's very valuable education.
That scabbard looks like it would make a decent weapon on its own.
Love them sword kriss design. Something that looks mystical & exotic about it. I wonder if there is a western medieval arming one handed sword design that resembles kriss wavy blades.
Moro armour is also interesting.
The weapon cleaning videos are great. Longer format, unedited banter, with little reliance on visuals, they're almost like podcasts.
Always with Lucy! You are wonderful together.
Matt if you're not playing the Suvarnabhumi Mahayuth SE Asia mod for warband you're missing out. Its my favorite and its completely free
YEEES THANK YOU I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS.
Some test cutting is much desired!
i read that the wavy kriss was designed to make wounds more serious, as twisted as thrusting-in, & twisted when withdrawing; also, waves were to be FELT by BOTH parties of a deep thrust (thruster&thrustee), as each wave-crest contacted a bone, tendon, organ...this is a function of the Arrested Development (psychological, sociological, philosophical), of the users; also, note all the catch-points at the rear of blades-- the blade-waves could act as catch-points for enemy blades, sticks, spear shafts, for fancy dojo BS (jungle-as-dojo)
Cool to hear and see the passion for these swords, thanks!
To be honest I love your cleaning videos. There's something about them that it just super relaxing to watch
Thanks for the video, the Moro Kris is a really interesting blade to talk about. Also, in regards to the cleaning videos, I do enjoy them, especially with the funny commentary. :)
Nice twist core kris. That style of pattern of kris is very nice that you got.
The cleaning video is pretty good especially with all the innuendos had me chuckling to myself. The kris is a really cool sword would be interested in some of the history.
Yes to more cleaning and yes to Lucy. Looking forward to seeing how you deal with the hilt of the sword you have already put up vids of cleaning blade and scabbard.
The new intro looks sick, i really like it.
you we're right about 9:11 that dagger-sized kris is primarily a dressing accessories & a tertiary weapon.
I don't know about the other cultures such as the Malay, South Thailand & Mindanao (South Philippines), etc. but for the Javanese, they usually wear the kris:
-at the rear hip, during peaceful times (stating that violence is the last thing they want)
-at the front/side of the hip, during warring times (stating that they are willing to fight)
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/Keris_Wearing_in_Java.JPG/654px-Keris_Wearing_in_Java.JPG
WibuSquire That is true. From Malayan culture perspective, it is as decorative pieces wore by warriors from different classes either foot soldiers, peasant, nobilities, officers, general, court officials, and royalties.
But Malayan people always tied or slip in the front instead of at the back. Even during peace time because they had to be alert and cautious because of pirates, raiders, robbers and invaders from the north which is the Siamese kingdom who always wage war with Malayan kingdoms to expand their empire to whole Malayan peninsular nowadays peninsular of Malaysia. Even some Malayan people who lived near the border of Siam practices the martial arts of the Siamese which people nowadays refer them as Muay Boran although during classical times the were called Muay. The Malayan people called or refer to the art as Tomoi and it has a lot of similarities with Siamese Muay Boran but with differences in some execution of techniques and moves. Some of them even practice both arts of Tomoi and Silat.
zuhaili shufller the bangsawan, royalty, official carry keris, peasant carry cheaper weapon like a parang or axe.
About the shape of the dagger-sized keris shown in the video, that's the one for ceremonial purposes (and show the status of the owner of course).
Generally, there are two kinds of keris, "gaman" and "ageman." (Javanese)
Gaman means weapon, and ageman means ceremonial/dressing.
The "gaman" ones were only slightly ornated and the blades were made of steel, and sometimes you can find them as spearheads too, while the "ageman" were made of mixtures of several different metals to make beautiful patterns.
A lot of blacksmiths nowadays here just make the ceremonial ones because they sell quite well (because Javanese had to wear them in ceremonies and their wedding day too) and also the law that bans on carrying a weapon around.
Looks like the weapon that an antagonist would use haha.
I do like the restoration videos. And lucy just makes it better!
You should show us how to clean detail work on hilts with flowery designs, so that people who have recently acquired antique officer´s sabers from the first World War can restore them...I, er, have a friend who wants to know...
The pistol grip also aids in drawing. Sent you a pic from one of my books on kerises as for the terminology of different parts. Finally the thing about poisoned blades is myth
I think arsenic may have been used to clean the keris traditionally. I am not sure how much of it would be stuck on the blade or whether it would be poisonous with a cut.
Guru Chaz probably not. natural arsenic as a poison is quite unpredictable due to differences in chemical structure.
Would love to see a test cutting video with these or a good replica, they look really neat.
Seems like you need to interview Doug Marcaida about some of the features and fighting styles. I know how hard that would be to arrange, but darn, what a coup if you could manage it. Offer to buy him lunch maybe?
Love the cleaning videos, with Lucy if you please, the banter is awesome.
I would really love to see some cutting tests - mostly to hear your opinion on how it feels with the wavy blade to cut something.
It looks like something right out of a Skyrim mod.
You should do a video about the cool shields that you showed in the pictures. Specifically the ones with the deep notches in the top and bottom. Those look interesting.
good video i always like the videos with photos etc inserted - and now with thrands account back live maybe some test cutting or analysis from a different viewpoint from across the pond.....
Let the Dune jokes commence! :) Bless the Maker and His water ;)
Actually the Moros were pretty much the Fremen of the southern Philippine Archipelago, so the analogy is very apt. They're also (according to legend) the reason the Americans developed the M1911 since US infantrymen needed a large-caliber bullet to stop a Moro. A Moro warrior with blade in hand would tie tourniquets at his vital points so he won't bleed out as he charged at his enemies with his weapon. And this worked--Spain never totally conquered the Sultanate of Sulu and the Americans only managed to do so after much trouble.
Mortimer Zabi This type of information sharing is why I love our little corner of TH-cam! Thanks for the education brother! :)
I recently picked up one with a straight blade, three narrow fullers, very sharp and double edged, rounded tip sharpened all around. There are two interesting marks stamped each side of the blade, basically half-moon shapes.
The handle is a bit loose but mainly due to a crack under the wrapping. I think I may be able to repair it and salvage the nice bird-beak pommel. The blade is quite thick and substantial, definitely seen hard use.
Handle loosening could also be due to the handles being fitted in a hot humid environment? I know sometimes weapons from TFW develop cracks due to that.
First of all, big fan! I have a request, however. Could you at some point cover svardstavs as used by the landschnekt or similar "hewing" spears in more detail? Particularly if there's any manuals describing their use.
Cheers!
I wonder if that was my comment a while back. I remember specifically asking about the Filipino weapons. I particularly like the Ginunting, and Guyang style ones. I always think about poking myself with the jagged stuff common on the Kris.
You are very lucky sir to have that kinds of Kris collection,I hope I have one.
just come here in sulu if you want some our kris
you said about the forward angle on a kukri, that made me really interested in a comparison between a kukri and a parang. they are both tried and tested designs but, which is better for what?
Those weapons are really cool. I didn’t know there was a difference between the kris and the Moro kris. Learn something new every day.
Re: cleaning up a pattern-welded weapons:
Do the different metals corrode/dirty up at different rates? I know they react differently to etching chemicals thus revealing a pattern, but what about for durability and maintenance concerns?
And do pattern-welded metals require extra care when you clean, sharpen, and generally maintain them?
Yes, they do corrode at different rates. We can even make out the pattern welding on "viking" era swords because some alloys corrode much slower or more shallowly.
Cleaning is generally similar, it's only different when you get to re-etching. In the case of very deeply etched blades, you may need to be careful to avoid overcleaning and blending the lines, so using a metal polish is more appropriate than for example sandpaper on a wooden block (not recommended for antiques in general, but there are of course modern pattern welded blades)
I believe the coment you mention was me saying "for someone who said he didn't intend to colect krissyoucertainly have a lot of them all of a sudden" or something like that
it's malay (the ethnicity, not the nationality). they got around south east asia during pre colonial times. that's why the filipinos malaysians and indonesians have so much in common. bahasa and tagalog even have a ton of shared/similar words.
same roots, but they're pretty different people. although those common traits and origins and customs are pretty strong. colonialism and geographic separation over the centuries tends to make differences. religion as well.
Catholicism and colonialism does wonders.
yep. mindanao is muslim. visayas and luzon are mostly catholic. best descriptor of the Philippines is "Malay parents, 300 years in a Spanish convent, 50 years in american Hollywood, and 4-5 or so years putting up with Japan."
In Palembang Indonesia
We call it Sundang
Its more like a ceremonial sword
We prefer Klewang Cutlass
Moist Von Lipwig, the Malays colonized Philippines first lol, a lot of aboriginal tribes had land taken.
Come to think of it, there is a similarity with other Filipino blades, the ginunting. Skall has a review of it.
Ignore the waves that don't add much to the weight distribution, it's a pistol grip short sword or machete with a front oriented points. in terms of acceleration they work like kukri, falx and all front curved swords this size. You can do push cuts, thrusts become rather stab cut. They are quirky wavy front cutters.
Ahhh Matt. I love that you love these. But get a hold of a decent Barong or Kampilan and maybe you might find a new love. Cheers!
From what I've read, more "waviness" does indicate status of the warrior. It was also believed to have increased thrusting power. Not really sure though, I only read a bit about it in a traditional filipino weapons website.
JF Buno yes indeed. In traditional Malayan cultures, the number of waves indicate the wielder's status either he is a peasant, soldiers, nobilities, high ranking officers, generals, or royalties. This is applicable to the one Matt holding in 9:13. The reasons behind it was because in Malayan culture a Malayan warrior would not be complete with out his/her keris tuck in their garments. Kind of similar to katana to samurai in the value of identity and warrior ethos to them.
I would definitely like to see more cleaning and restoration videos.
Hey, Matt. You should try researching on the warrior culture of the Ifugao, the renowned headhunters of the Philippines. They're the perfect example of unarmored warriors for the archipelago.
The "poison blade" stuff is more in reference the smaller Indonesian (and I believe) Malaysian Kris (the knife sized variety). I myself have wondered how that poison holds up over time or if it ever worked well. It was supposedly achieved by mixing in stuff like arsenic and venoms. I'm not personally convinced this stuff survives the heat of the construction process. There's also a process of using a sort of "poison whetstone" but that's just slathing the edge of a blade in poison and not some inherent poison quality. I do know a cruder way to do it was to include metals like lead into the steel mix. You can see when this has been done and I tend to just stay away from those. From my understanding a blade that shows that color was probably also forged with other "blade poison" methods as well.
I've never heard of a Filipino kris being poisoned.
Matt, I'd love to see test cutting with Kris specifically against cloth & unarmored targets.. And specifically compared to similar feeling blades - I've wondered about the exact effect of the wavy blade for decades!AND I'm sick of seeing these Kris on yer wall.. Somebody please buy them so we can get sabres & tulwar back!
Has Matt ever done a full video about forward curved swords?
you mean the ones from hammerfell?
I have a Moro Kris that I found at the late Farmington, CT Antique Show, maybe 20 years ago. It's fairly long - perhaps nearly 24" - with a somewhat mild wave to the blade. There is no pronounced "beak" to the pommel, and no ferrule or "strap" between the tang and the blade. There is some fine chisel work at the "guard", and some very delicate carving at either end of the scabbard.
I do not think it is pattern-welded; although I am not experienced enough to tell for certain. I would estimate it to be from the late 19th to early 20th century; I know that when I brought some arms & armor to a local appraisal, they were most interested in the kris, and gave it a fairly high valuation.
by the way, have you ever done a segment on the Dayak "parang" or "mandau"? I have a couple of these.
Your thoughts about the alignment of point and hand and how they facilitate thrusting and chopping echo my own comment from your original video. Although superficially the weapons look rather different this is very much the same dynamic as the Turkish Yataghan. Similar thrusting dynamic, similar alignment of the point and the blade provides a similar geometric protection for the hand.
You oughta do a test cutting comparison video
Thanks for telling the lenght also in metric!
I always wanted to ask if you would mind to do it that way. Would you keep it that way please?
try livesteaming this, you can get donations and live questions. This could be great :D
Hey Matt, please make a video about that geŕman bavarian saber you unboxed in part 2.
I will!
Cleaning is good! We like those videos. They could be your sort of 'vlog' videos, like Metatron or Skall do. They may not reach 'everyone', but they will get to your core audience at least.
Hey Matt, do you think you’ll ever look into getting a Filipino Kampilan?
Recent Filipino blades mostly use used leaf spring steel from old vehicles.
i love moro krisses, i have 2 of those and will make a video about them soon.
You could do cleaning/q&a livestreams on youtube, which would allow people to give you money for superchat. You and Lucy could trade off working on the sword while the other takes questions/comments from the chat. Then put the whole stream up as a video afterwards for people in other timezones and whatnot.
There are stories about moro insurgents using those kalis/kris/keris swords since the American colonial times right up to the present. I never heard of stories of moros using poison on those swords but I did hear weird stories and sometimes depicted in some local films (Mistah 1994 film) were those swords can chop right through a barrel of an m16 and in to the skull of the soldier the insurgents are fighting.
yeah! I guess my ancestor was really tough my grandfather tell me a story that america adopted 45.cal just to stopped us
I like the cleaning videos and hope you decide to make more
I love the cleaning videos with Lucy.
They are interesting. The shape cut out at the bar sort of looks like the kukris notch.
My instructor in martial arts is Native to the Phillippines, and his surname is Barongan. (sword maker?) in Tagalog.
I have always been a fan of the Moro blades because of this, but i cant help but note how different the kris is compared to almost all the other blades with the serrated guard almost looking like it is on the wrong side.
Could you comment on why that may be?
Thanks
LogicaILy Insane thanks for the reply.
I was under the assumption that Barong's were Moro swords from the (southern?) Philippine islands. So if it is not tagalog, what is its origin? Thanks
LogicaILy Insane Thanks a bunch!
Something I've always wondered about the kris's hilt, why was the handguard more pronounced on the backside of the blade than the one on the front? Seems opposite of what you'd want in a fight.
It keeps your enemy from grabbing your hand, and taking your head.
have you tested them against a gambison? would the wavy blade cut one better?
Cleaning vids are great for us new collectors.
I quite like the cleaning and resto vids personally
Lovely solid handle.
"feels like a proper weapon in the hand" que the jump cut so matt can giggle like a school girl lol.
You should make a video about another moro sword, the Kampilan.
What do you guys think of an aggressively kris-waved RAPIER?
Opinions?
Do you think it'd be OP?(like a rapier that can cut very well?)
scholagladiatoria
If you were to train in a bladed Kali system which one would it be ?
What is that long pointy sword at the top called? It doesn't look like a rapier at the handle...
I love the dagger version kris.
We have one that was found in the ground
It's rusty and not sharp but its in amazing condition
I love the Kris.
With Lucy please .
I just found this video and it made me really happy. I study/practice Kali and the Kris is one of my favorite swords. I think it's one of the coolest looking swords out there.
Moro kris are fearsome weapons even in the present day conflicts with the Moros in the Southern part of our country, they are still viable weapons in jungle warfare. According to Philippine Army veterans of Moro pacification campaigns during the 70's, it can cut in two an M1 Garand rifle in half, moreso an M16 assault rifle.
Hey Matt where can you get these antique Moro Kris’s and other Filipino swords? Can you buy them online? I’m Filipino Canadian and I want to start collecting. Thanks!
Not sure where he got those ones specifically, but I know Traditional Filipino Weapons (TFW) has a Moro Kris series and Kris Cutlery has them too
Kurk Calibara thanks for the reply! I know of TFW great site. But I’m looking for more antiques.
Jay Carrera Can't help much on that front I'm afraid. Though some general advice would be to look in your general area for pawn shops or collectors. If you cannot get items from them, you can at least get some information and even referrals to other collections. Museums would also be a good place to ask. Finally, Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) clubs might also have some info or even antiques if you get lucky. Happy hunting, especially with the weapon bans in Canada. Shouldn't affect the antique-hunting though.
Matt is a dealer isn't he?
Maybe check matt's web site to see what he's selling?
I'd check eBay but you have to watch out for fakes. In the US I've found a fair amount in antique shops and gun shows. Also look at ethnographic arms and armor to see if they have anybody posting for sale. Look up antique auction sites online as well.
0 dislikes until now, a miracle on youtube^^
Doesn't the guard dig into the wrist? Is it something you have to keep in mind or do you not even notice it with proper technique?
No, you'd be using it quite wrongly if that happened.
That's something you can say if you sell swords. You can't actually say that if you sell computers. Computers are never used the wrong way until it's proven by two independent sources and their wives.
The guard part of the kris is a little bit back pointed. Isn't it unconfortable for your arm when you swing it vertically?
I know that feeling. Must be nice to be able to ack on it.