Phillipino Knives and Blades from Philippines

Volk · Sep 29, 2019

Hey guys,

I hope this is the right place to ask this, since this concerned custom, semi custom knife making. However, my question is a bit broader.

In a month or so I'll be traveling to Phillipines for two weeks with my better half. Reason I'm mentioning the better half is because that means I can't really travel to some of the... less hospitable parts. I also can't make it just a knife shopping/learning trip.

However, I do enjoy a lot of the traditional Phillipino weapon designs, and I'll be damned if I go there and don't return with a knife... or a bag of knives/swords (spears? Do they have spears? Is it easy to come back with a spear? I have more research to do!).

I'm sure someone here can point me to the right island/city or forge, or another place that I must visit. Really don't want to go there and come back with a bunch of Chinese knock offs.

Cheers

needler420 · Sep 30, 2019

Lucky. If you're near Batangas you should get a FHM balisong. That is where they originated from and they probably are good prices there. If you import any extras to sell I may be interested.

hank_rearden · Sep 30, 2019

lemme just post this (see if it works.)

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=627112607441088&id=100004270622003

Volk · Sep 30, 2019

needler420 said:
Lucky. If you're near Batangas you should get a FHM balisong. That is where they originated from and they probably are good prices there. If you import any extras to sell I may be interested.

Great, that's the kind of information I was looking for, I'll Google knife shops/makers in the area. The balisong is definitely one of the things I'm getting. I'm also interested in kriss swords, and krambits.
We are flying in and out of Manila, so I'll most likely be able to make a trip to batangas.

I havn't concidered importing, just depends on the hustle it takes. If it's easy, and I'm not limited to stuff I can bring, I'll concider it when I have more information. I can probably bring one or two at cost. I travel with just a backpack, but we have check in bags available in our tickets. Who knows maybe I can bring back suit case full, if there is interest.

hank_rearden said:
lemme just post this (see if it works.)

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=627112607441088&id=100004270622003

I got his info, will definitely get in touch. He's quite a bit north of Manila, but still on the same island. So I might make a trip up.

Thanks guys.

Anyone else know of places, forges, knife makers. Seems like I know where to go for balisong knives. What about swords?

tltt · Sep 30, 2019

Balisongs are classed as switchblades by customs, and illegal to import, so only buy them if you're willing to take that chance. My understanding is that Philippines customs might even confiscate them on their end if the traveler is going to the US as a courtesy. It doesn't always happen even on the American side, but it's something you should know.

Everything else gets in fine. The advice I've always heard, is go to Batangas, and talk to the locals, they'll steer you to decent shops usually.

Volk · Sep 30, 2019

tltt said:
Balisongs are classed as switchblades by customs, and illegal to import, so only buy them if you're willing to take that chance. My understanding is that Philippines customs might even confiscate them on their end if the traveler is going to the US as a courtesy. It doesn't always happen even on the American side, but it's something you should know.

Everything else gets in fine. The advice I've always heard, is go to Batangas, and talk to the locals, they'll steer you to decent shops usually.

Yeah, engaging with the locals is my plan. I'm glad I have a starting point with Batangas.

I'm not planning on carrying a knife while I'm there, I know balisong there have been banned unless you are using them for a particular trade you are engaged in. And I'm not planing to argue that my collection is a trade with anyone over there.

I'm flying back to California, where balisong have basically the same status, can't be carried outside of your own house. So that courtacy confiscation can hit me. I'll do more research. Maybe speak with someone in customs at the Manila Airport before making my purchase. Or maybe I an mail the knifes to myself, don't know yet.

stonproject · Sep 30, 2019

Volk said:
Yeah, engaging with the locals is my plan. I'm glad I have a starting point with Batangas.

I'm not planning on carrying a knife while I'm there, I know balisong there have been banned unless you are using them for a particular trade you are engaged in. And I'm not planing to argue that my collection is a trade with anyone over there.

I'm flying back to California, where balisong have basically the same status, can't be carried outside of your own house. So that courtacy confiscation can hit me. I'll do more research. Maybe speak with someone in customs at the Manila Airport before making my purchase. Or maybe I an mail the knifes to myself, don't know yet.

Be aware some may take advantage of tourists and peddle junk under the guise of it being hand made by craftsmen. Honestly your best bet at getting nice FHM balisongs to your home in California is ordering online. I'm sure you could meet some great knife makers in Batangas though.

Edit: Jason from Ecos knives is located in the Phillipines, he may be able to point you in the right direction if you contact him also.

Volk · Sep 30, 2019

stonproject said:
Be aware some may take advantage of tourists and peddle junk under the guise of it being hand made by craftsmen. Honestly your best bet at getting nice FHM balisongs to your home in California is ordering online. I'm sure you could meet some great knife makers in Batangas though.

Edit: Jason from Ecos knives is located in the Phillipines, he may be able to point you in the right direction if you contact him also.

Yeah, that's is my primary concern. As I started out, saying I don't want junk. But, on the hand, I'll be in Phillipines already, and I want to bring back something with me, to make it a bit more special. FHM has some beautiful pieces, ideally I want same quality.

I'll also contact Jason. Thank you for the suggestion.

lambertiana · Sep 30, 2019

A lot of the time you will find people selling junk. But occasionally you run across a nice one. I found this bolo in a shop in Banaue in Ifugao province: