The Binakuko was 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. The curve of the blade comes to a distinct point, thus concentrating all of its chopping energy onto a single point. Crafted in the Philippines, the sharp blade is of high carbon steel. The short guard and ferrule are of blackened metal and the handle 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.
Archimedes One –
Simply fantastic. This blade quickly became one of my favourite weapons when I purchased it a few months back and that love hasn’t faded. It’s elegantly beautiful, feels nimble in the hand, and is constructed so well that the low price-tag is almost an insult to the blade.
pros:
-light and maneuverable
-comes with a nice scabbard
-super solid construction
-fits securely and comfortably in the hand
-clean and attractive carvings on both the scabbard and grip
-beatiful wood for the grip (hard too)
-unique blade geometry
cons:
-the metal buckle caused the dark finish on the guard to rub off where they made contact (however it’s not too noticeable.)
-the wrapping around the scabbard seems like it may come loose at some point
-could have come slightly sharper