Weaponds in Manila

[The_student]

I have a friend who will go visit some friends in Manila this X-mas, I thought he maybe should be able to buy some swords and other weaponds home with him.

My question are then, were/to which store should you go in manila if you were to buy gnuting swords and other cool looking filipino weaponds??

Very greatfull for reply!

[Veynn]

Filipino Swords and Knives are very hard to find here in Manila. (maybe I just don't know where to find one ) I buy them in provinces and other cities like Ilocos, Iloilo and Cebu.

[krys]

Filipino Swords and Knives are very hard to find here in Manila.

Pare I don't think there is a shortage of knives (and bolos) in Manila.....

More seriously you can find lots of knives in Quiapo, also swords....
The boutique of the national museum sells some but you'll get better and cheaper in the province....

Mabuhay ang filipino Silat at Arnis

[Largo_Mano]

Yea the province hooks it up! I went to the PI last year and my home province of Leyte had tons of knifes. I brought some nice stuff back to the states. I also found some nice kamagong sticks in Manilla for really cheap.

I was kind of given a hard time by the customs but I got through. I think here in LA they would confiscate a balisong. I was able to hide those. haha.

Peace

[Largo_Mano]

Also, I didn't buy any but I saw a bunch of knifes, swords, and sticks a Shoemart.

[krys]

Also, I didn't buy any but I saw a bunch of knifes, swords, and sticks a Shoemart.

What Shoemart? In Leyte?
Thanks.

[Largo_Mano]

In Makati.

[LAKANPOPOT]

Yeah, in shoemart at the filipiniana section there are some. I even saw a barong. I would go to Palengke and check out the itaks and sometimes balisongs. In Sports strore they usually sell knives. Medyo mahal(kinda expensive though).

If you go to Makati, go to Makati Cinema Square. on the 1st floor beside the hallway from Jollibee there is a balisong store. They sell different knives too.

If you have time go to Fairview Dry Market. There is only one knife/swordmaker there. I have seen his craftmanship. Maganda. And he can make you any type of blade as long as you have a pattern.

The best knife/swordsmiths are from Pangasinan. They made the swords used in Mel Gibson's (I forgot the title) it ends with Heart......Braveheart. I think.

If you can go to Batangas. The hometown or origin of the Balisong. Every side or corner there is a stall. But look around and bargain. They have 2 inch to 72 inch balisongs. From combat effective, to keychain types to Displays. I bought a 52 inch one with the Eagele at the end near the handle when it is folded and in the middle of the back of the blade. It is great. You always have to check the craftmanship and the handle before you buy it. I customs I believe here in SFO. They confiscate the more common balisong sizes. The one I bought they never opened.
When you go through the Philippine they will see it in the x-ray and just tell them it's a collection. Only if they ask. If it is swords I was told tell them or write personal collection.

hope this helps. Happy hunting!

[LAKANPOPOT]

I forgot to mention Baguio. At the parks they sell from spears to shields. Do not know if they are antique but they are real stuff. They also sell nunchuks,sticks and swords. A friend just came back with a whole lot.

If you go to the Philippines looking for antque or authentic combat kris, barong or kampilans you'll have a hard time. They now sell the tourist pieces. Because not many people know how to look or distinguish an real from a fraud. Even in the Southern Philippines. That's all.

[krys]

Lakanpotpot, do you remember the price of the Barong in Shoemart? I can order a real one in the south for pesos but it takes a long time to get it...

[The_student]

Thanks alot LAKANPOPOT, It seems as you have been around abit on your hunt

Kris, were would you order the barong from...is it from a shop or directly from the smith??

Thank you all!

[krys]

Directly from a traditional blacksmith who specializes in muslim weapons.... it is like a Toledo blade...

it should actually be personalized, ie the smith should meet you before but the area is not safe and you can't go there without the backing of local peoples...

To order directly -make- find somebody to bring it to Manila: would take one or two months if I remember well.

[LAKANPOPOT]

Originally posted by krys
Lakanpotpot, do you remember the price of the Barong in Shoemart? I can order a real one in the south for pesos but it takes a long time to get it...

Pare, it was around P2,500 if I still am correct. Hindi nila alam ang pagkakaiba ng barong sa kris.(they don't know the difference between the barong and the kris). I suggest you look at it and you judge it for what it is worth. The sales lady said it came from a bladesmith from baguio.

The one in Fairview is a trusted panday(bladesmith) of the late Ben Lema. Doon sila nagpapagawa. He made some Matulis type itaks for a friend of mine here in Stockton Ca and it was nice. The blade was makapal and well balanced. The guy got it for about P1000 each.

Krys, yung sundang,kampilan,pinuti o kris nagawa yung kakilala mong panday? I wish I can visit the south. Mahirap lang baka may masamang mangyari.

[krys]

Lakanpotpot I know for sure that the panday can make kampilans, barongs, krisses, piras and guess he can make other blades too.... I will buy a pira next time.....
His familly is making blades for several generations now.....
If I remember well the price is 4000 pesos for a barong but it is really top quality....


The south especially the small islands is very nice, it is very cheap there pero delicado.....

[Keeper]

Want to buy sharp things in Manila?

Quiapo.... definatly Quiapo.

Watch your ass though, dangerous place. But not a problem if you keep your awarness up.

Keeper