Moro Barong

One of the more unique of blade designs, the wide, leaf-blade of the Moro Barong is both an excellent chopper and a nasty piercing weapon. The wide mass of the blade ensures that it chops with authority, and the tip gives fatal stabs to unarmored targets. Though coming to a point, the blade quickly flares from the tip, turning even a shallow stab into a wide wound.

This Philippine-crafted Barong has a sharp blade of 5160/D2 high carbon steel tempered to HRC 58-60. The grip is half steel and half carved wood and the scabbard is of carved wood with decorative bands of wrapped rattan.

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.