Moro Kambantuli

The Kambantuli is one of the quick, chopping blades favored by the Moro warriors and pirates of the Southern Philippines. This surprisingly lightweight and agile blade has a wide chopping blade and a sharp thrusting tip. Crafted in the Philippines, the blade is sharp and of 5160/D2 high carbon steel tempered to HRC 58-60. The short guard and ferrule are of blackened metal and the grip is of hand-carved ironwood.

A carved wooden scabbard with a blade-retaining clip is included. The metal clip locks the blade in place by going over the lip of the guard. It can be released by a good tug on the grip.

The Moro are the indigenous Muslim population of the Southern Philippines – they have had centuries of conflict with northern neighbors, Spanish and American colonialists. These Filipinos were converted to Islam by Muslim missionaries of the Persian Gulf and China. Though many of their warriors had an allegiance to their sultan, many were engaged in Sulu Sea piracy against the northern Philippine islands and especially the Spanish. A minority, they developed an extensive array of distinctive edged weapons. Even today, these are still considered symbols against occupation and are displayed proudly, often on a Weapons of Moroland plaque.

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.