The Pira Cotabato 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 short, wide chopping blade and a acute thrusting tip. The tip quickly flares into a larger wider blade, ensuring that the wound from a thrust is widened considerably, even after only a few inches of penetration. Though not as well known as the Barong, the Pira Cotabato has a reputation for being used, particularly by the Yakan tribe, to decapitate opponents. Despite its grim reputation, the Pira Cotabato is also a common utility blade seen in the hands of farmers, dockworkers and fish markets, where it decapitates fish instead.
Crafted in the Philippines, the sharp blade is 5160/D2 high carbon steel tempered to HRC 58-60. The short guard and ferrule are of darkened metal. The grip is of carved wood.
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 oil is used to protect the wood from dryness and cracking.
Jim –
Quality Blade This is an outstanding short sword for a low price. While balanced a bit toward the chopping end of things it’s a fast in hand blade that will amaze you. It’ll help take my FMA to a whole new level.
The handle/sheath wood is good, but I recommend tung oil in four layers to bring out the wood’s details and protect the wood. I’d even go another $100 or so to get a better (prettier) wood, but as is, it’s a workhorse with a high quality blade that comes very sharp.