So I was hanging around yesterday and someone gave me a gift. That is always cool! However, this one was really, really cool. It is always nice to know when you have touched some one and they appreciate it gift or no. That is just one reason we all practice what we do!
So the person knowing what I like and enjoy really went out and found some thing special. Thinking back I probably lead them along the path of thinking as I had only heard very good things about the company that they purchased it from and had mentioned it once or twice. Still they deserve all my thanks!
So here are the pictures of the ginunting I just received.
Now I have several ginunting’s already but they are older and well let’s just say maybe not in the best of shape. (think old/antique and seen better day’s) So having a brand new, fully functional ginunting is a real treat!
This particular ginunting came from Ron Kosakowski’s site www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com. Now I have only heard good things about Ron’s blades. (only good things) Now that I am holding one I can honestly say that the workmanship is fantastic! This particular ginunting feels better than any I have ever held. it has a full tang, razor sharp, the weight is right and the balance is also right. So when all of that comes together with excellent craftsmanship you get an awesome product! I plan on doing some tatami and hanging chicken (yes already dead) cutting very, very soon.
Ginunting’s are the current standard issue long knife for the Philippine Marines. It truly is a formidable tool that can be used for brush clearing in the jungle and more importantly for taking on enemies of the Philippines. Definately an excellent combat tool!
Now I do give out recomendations for excellent equipment and products. The following three sites definately get my stamp of approval for the quality of their products:
Bill Bednarick’s Training Knife Store
Ron Kosakowski’s Filipino Blade Store
www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com
Kerry Krick’s IRT Fukuro Shinai (Padded Longsword) Store
http://sites.blockstar.com/midmichma/Store.html
Always Try And Purchase Excellent Equipment And When You Do Treat It Like Gold!
Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008
Brian R. VanCise
Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.
Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/
Thanks for the review!
I was wondering how the Traditional Weapons ginunting compares to the Typhoon ginunting. The styles seem very similar. How do they both feel in the hand? Equally quick? Balance? They both look like excellent blades. For a mix of field clearing/MA practice, I’m leaning towards the typhoon blade. You have great experience, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Best Regards,
Mike
Hi Mike,
This ginunting from the traditional filipino weapons site is very well made and moves very smoothly in the hand. Almost everyone who has picked it up has remarked on how well made it is. I have also put it through some of my personal tests and it has held up tremendously. It is simply a great ginunting. The Force Recon Ginunting from typhoon blades is as well simply a fantastic blade. It is smooth in the hand and cuts very well. It is a little more modern due to the sheath and ability to use the tek lok belt locking system. You will be happy with either of them. I think it would be hard to go wrong with either one. So with that in mind you need to decide which one fits you best. The TFW blade has a more traditional look while the Typhoon blade is definitely the modern incarnation of a ginunting. That is really the difference between the two. I hope that helps.
Brian
Thank you, Brian, for your quick response!
A wise and balanced perspective. The community is lucky to have objective evaluators like yourself!
Ron, the owner of Traditional Weapons, makes his blades out of 5160 steel, and says that his swords all go through a sodium nitrate treatment process, as well as plasma compression (whatever those are!). I wonder if the Force Recon swords go through a similar process of treatment, and if there steel is of comparable quality?
BTW, Typhoon also offers a dahon palay blade. Have you had the chance to test it? It also looks like a well-crafted sword.
Thanks again for your thoughts. All the Best–
Hi Mike,
I have not had a chance to handle or review the dahon palay blade. However I plan on acquiring one in the future.
Brian
The style of writing is very familiar . Have you written guest posts for other bloggers?
Hi Ted,
I do post on a couple of friends blog and on MartialTalk and FMATalk where I moderate. Other than that and writing books and ebooks I am pretty much localized to here. 😉
If ginunting is the official sword by the Philippine Marines, what are their official knife or knifes?
Anyone who knows what exact equipment the Philippine Marines holds? Please add link if you have a list or photo of their equipment.
Thanks!