The Minasbad sword by Traditional Filipino Weapons was crafted in the Phillipines and has been fitted with a sharp blade of 5160/D2 high carbon steel. The blade has been tempered to have a hardness of 58-60 HRC. The guard and pommel are of steel and the grip is carved from Kamagong wood – a native hardwood. The blade has been securely peened to the pommel.
The Minasbad style of swords with their very distinctive tribal head pommels are the war swords of the Bicolano people of the Philippines. Before the Spanish came to the islands the Bicolano had been in a constant state of war with the Moro people. The Bicolano warriors would cross and counter the Moro and their Kris swords with the Minasbad.
The Spaniards recorded that among the populations of the Philippines, the Bicolano had the most extensive vocabulary relating to all things warfare – no doubt a result of warring history of fighting the fierce Moro.
The Minasbad with its wide tip and forward sloping blade is a blade that can chop and hack with grievous ease. Its tip curves upwards slightly to make it easier to thrust into a target.
Please Note: Due to being crafted in a tropical environment with native woods, it is common for these weapons to develop thin, minor cracks in the wood and the scabbard as the woods adjust to our more temperate environment. Cracks in items sent to you will not be harmful to the structural integrity of the item. Also – The decorative rattan wrapping can be brittle and may crack or break.
It is recommended that a light coating of protective oil is used to protect the wood from dryness and cracking.
Jaime F. –
Minasbad Review When discovering T.F.W., I wanted a sword specifically from where my father, or mothers family originated from in the Philippines. So it had to be a Tagolog sword from Imus, Cavite, or Albay, in Bicol. Unfortunately, even though there are Tagalog swords, none of them came specifically from Cavite. Luckily, it was a different story w/ Bicol, so Ron from T.F.W. recommended 3 swords. Bicol is in southern Luzon, and partially in the northern Visayas.So my best choices were the Minasbad, or the Visayan swords the Ginunting, or Pinute. So I read about all 3, & the Minasbad was the only sword that was specifically came a Bicolano sword. Not only that, but this model’s the pre-colonial version, so it’s truly Filipino, although the sword maker used the southern Chinese Dan Dao as his inspiration. My grandfather was 1/4 Chinese, so that was another thing that I liked about the sword. So just to warn people, and maybe T.F.W. will find a better way to keep their swords securely in their sheaths, because the metal belt loop on the sheath eventually scratches up your hilt, especially it’s a bigger one. Some Filipino swords don’t have 1, so it’s likely not a problem for those swords, but taking my sword out so many times, it eventually scratched up the hilt. If you’re a collector that leaves it on a sword stand, and doesn’t train with it, it’s likely not a problem, & I’m sure that there are ways to prevent it, to keep it in mint condition. Anyhow, I wish I was warned about it, so I’m giving it 4 stars. Other than that, it’s 1 of the best Filipino swords that I’ve seen in that states.
Chris –
Great value for the money. Good quality blade, very sharp. This is my first sword and I did alot of research before I choose this TFW sword. Considering other options of similar price, I believe I made the right choice. I will be applying a coat of protective oil to the wooden sheath and handle as instructed.
I plan on buying another TFW blade in the future.
jpcmt13 (verified owner) –
First, I praise and thank customer service for such perfect support after my first Minasbad had a crooked scabbard (it must have warped after being set). I got it back to them and had the replacement in 3 days. Serious badassery right there. Nikkie was answering all my questions even though I probably bugged her. Minasbad is the sword of my people so I’m proud to finally have a Filipino blade in my home (i have the black plaque with all the representative blades of moroland), and I’m proud to have this Bicol rendering. All construction of both Minasbad’s I’ve had (the send back and this replacement) are absolutely beautiful, fit and finish are superb and the colors and quality of build are obvious. TFW is no joke. Scabbard wood is gorgeous and stained (they’re changing the pic soon). The clasp is iffy…not something I’d rely on and likely not wear on a belt to walk with for fear of it loosening and falling. Edge is stupid sharp – to slice paper, boxes, limbs, heads, etc. Been looking at Pinute for years but this baby stole my heart. Thanks KOA!