Moro Panabas

With its long grip and forward sloping blade – the Panabas epitomizes swift cutting and chopping power. The forward curving blade with its wide center of percussion brings maximum mass and kinetic energy onto its target, making for brutally efficient chopping. Though larger and intimidating than most Philippine weapons, the Panabas is still lightweight enough that it can be used single-handedly, though this is at a loss of some of its potential force.

The Panabas was used by the Moro tribes of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. It was both a tool of war, as well as an agricultural tool. The Datu chieftains favored the Panabas as a tool for execution by beheading. – Thus the Panabas is a symbol of a chieftains power and a symbol of terror to criminals and his enemies. Accounts just prior and during the American colonial era describe groups of warriors wielding Panabas who would form a rearguard. They would follow the main warriors and with their Panabas would quickly dispatch wounded foes.

The blade of this Philippine-crafted Panabas is of sharp 5160/D2 high carbon steel tempered to HRC 58-60 and the weapon has a full tang construction for maximum durability. The grip is formed from two halves of wood which are mounted to the thick blade tang and then bound in leather and cord to complete the grip. The sword is matched with a scabbard which is well carved from wood and embellished with bands of rattan.

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.