Code: IN17
This kerambit was designed in the 1990’s by Herman Suwanda from Mande Muda (in West Java), famous as a master of the martial art called pencak silat. He popularized the style through numerous visits to the US and Europe. The blade is typical of old-type kerambits, made from spring steel wrapped around a steel pipe to form the circle shape, then cut and welded to the tang. It is extremely sharp. The pattern is acid etched into the blade. The hilt and sheath are made from mento wood. The bolster is made from sonokeling. Overall length is about 30cm. The blade is 15cm and the hilt is 11cm.
This design of this weapon, similarly to the Kuku Macan, is inspired by the claw of the tiger. The Kerambit originated in Java (Indonesia) and spread throughout the archipelago and to the Philippines. Although its original use is agricultural, it was also used as a weapon. Smaller kerambits were hidden in clothing or even in the hair, a weapon of last resort. The Bugis warriors of Sulawesi are famous for their use of the kerambit in their martial arts. The version found in the Philippines has a shorter blade and is favored by western martial artists. The kerambit is held by putting the first finger into the hole at the top of the handle so that its blade curves forward from the bottom of the fist. It is primarily used in a slashing or hooking motion to the opponents abdomen. Reversed, with the blade above the fist, the kerambit is very effective in a downward slashing or pick type attack to the shoulders.