lion den

What is the difference between a bolo and a barong? Thanks in advance.

RapidAssault16

Well, to my knowledge, the difference between a bolo and a barong lie in their functional purposes. The bolo knife was and is designed primarily as an agricultural tool, used for chopping wood, hunting, and farming purposes. However, as we all know, the bolo knife is incredibly efficient as an improvised bladed weapon. The length, sharpness, weight, and sheer power of a bolo knife is a force to be reckoned with. The barong is a traditional leaf shaped blade originally used by southern Filipino warriors. In World War II, they were used to decapitate captured enemy soliders. Theoretically speaking, the barong could be used for agricultural purposes, but that is not it's main function. In the Philippines, many of my cousins in the agricultural fields utilize the bolo primarily for chopping trees and the like. The bolo is much more economical and practical for carry and use in your home. I use a bolo knife here in my home in NJ to chop down wood and small trees.

Beginner

Practically every household in the provinces in Luzon (northernmost region of the country) has at least one bolo. The bolo is mainly an agricultural tool, however Filipinos use them for a variety of tasks in & around the house. I personally used them to chop lechon (roasted whole pig), clear shrubs/small trees in the province & cut open coconuts. Sad to say, I have witnessed a number of times the bolo being used out in the streets by men going berserk (juramentado). In the Philippines, there are different bolo shapes & sizes, depending on it's use & the area where it was made. Historically it was also used as a weapon by the KKK during the Spanish era.

The Barong was made as a weapon - an actual sword used in war. I have no indepth knowledge as to historically accounts of it's use, however, it is in fact a weapon of warriors in the Southern Philippines, particularly Mindanao.

The_student

I dont know if you have seen the different between a Bolo and a Barong but anywhy, I´m throwing in some pictures

Bolo ---> http://www.valiantco.com/philippines/i-Bolo1Dam.JPG

Barong --> http://www.valiantco.com/philippines/i-Barong2.JPG

lion den

Thanks for the replies. They dont look much different except the blade shape. Can the bolo be with a 6" to 8" blade or would that classify that as a diferent named blade? Thanks in advance.