How Ancient Filipino Sword are Made by A Royal Blacksmith

Ancient Filipino swords, like the Kris, Barong, and Panabas, were traditionally crafted through a meticulous and skilled process. Here's a simplified overview of how these swords were made:

1. **Selecting Materials:** The process starts with selecting the appropriate materials. The blade is typically made from high-carbon steel, which is known for its durability and sharpness. The quality of the steel is crucial for a functional and reliable weapon.

2. **Forging the Blade:** The selected steel is heated in a forge until it becomes malleable. The blacksmith then hammers and shapes the heated metal into the desired blade shape. For swords like the Kris, the distinctive wavy pattern of the blade is achieved during this step.

3. **Quenching:** After shaping the blade, it is rapidly cooled in a liquid, like water or oil, to harden the steel. This process, known as quenching, helps improve the blade's hardness and sharpness.

4. **Tempering:** The hardened blade is then heated again to a specific temperature and slowly cooled. This tempering process reduces the blade's brittleness while maintaining its strength.

5. **Grinding and Polishing:** The blade is meticulously ground to its final shape and then polished to a high shine. This step enhances both the sword's appearance and its cutting edge.

6. **Handle and Hilt:** The handle and hilt are crafted separately. The handle, often made from wood or bone, is carved and shaped to fit the tang (the part of the blade that extends into the handle). The hilt, which is the guard and pommel of the sword, is created and attached to the handle.

7. **Assembly:** The blade is affixed securely to the handle, and any additional decorative elements or fittings are added.

8. **Decoration:** Many Filipino swords are known for their ornate designs. This might include engravings, inlays, or decorative materials like brass, silver, or gold.

9. **Final Inspection:** The completed sword is carefully inspected to ensure it meets the desired quality and functionality standards.

10. **Sheath:** A sheath or scabbard is often crafted to protect the blade when not in use. These, too, can be intricately decorated.

It's important to note that the specific techniques and styles can vary across different regions and communities in the Philippines. Traditional sword-making was not only a practical craft but also a way of preserving cultural identity and heritage. The skills and knowledge required to create these swords were typically passed down through generations, just as Datu Halun Asakil mentioned in his story.

The term "panday" in Filipino culture refers to a blacksmith or metalworker who specializes in crafting tools, weapons, and other items from metal. The word "panday" has its origins in the Philippines, and it is a term used to describe skilled metalworkers in the country.

Blacksmithing has a long history in the Philippines, dating back to pre-colonial times. Indigenous Filipino communities had their own pandays who crafted various metal objects, including weapons like swords and knives, agricultural tools, and decorative items. These skilled artisans played a vital role in their communities, providing essential tools and weapons for daily life and defense.

Over time, with the influence of different cultures, including Spanish colonization, blacksmithing techniques and styles evolved in the Philippines. The term "panday" continued to be associated with skilled metalworkers throughout this history.

In summary, the concept of a "panday" as a skilled metalworker originated in the Philippines and has a deep-rooted history in Filipino culture, serving various practical and cultural purposes over the centuries.

These uniquely crafted weapons represent the requirements and cultural legacy of numerous ethnic groups in the Philippines. When the Spanish arrived on our soil for the first time in 1521, they brought with them fresh concepts and innovations that changed the way we locally processed metal. Being an archipelago, each location or indigenous community evolved its own distinctive, iconic sword-making techniques. This is evident in the way the renowned Kris, with its intricately shaped wavy blades akin to some blades you might find in northern Borneo, was made by the Moro tribe in the southern Philippines. Naturally, swords were made for use in combat rather than only for farming. Their shapes were greatly influenced by warfare. Their techniques were refined as a result of the demand for powerful weaponry. Each component needed to be balanced, robust, and usable. Additionally, these weapons would come to represent prestige, power, and cultural identity.