I found this kris dagger in my knife closet the other day, when I was running my inventory check, first one in long years. I totally forgot I ever had it. In my defense, it is not a user knife and I never actually used it. As my records show, I got it in Summer 2000, as a present from a friendly knife dealer. After purchasing 20 or so knives from him ;) Due to its specific blade geometry, i.e. very wavy and curvy design, kris blades are practically useless in utility, survival and other uses one would call practical. Besides it is a dagger, well never seen a kris blade that was not a dagger, plus few ballisongs have kris type blades. Looks very sexy for sure. It's good as a dagger and that's about it.
General
- Kris is a type of asymmetrical dagger characterized by very distinctive wavy blade. Kris blade originated somewhere in south-eastern Asia region. Can't say for sure where, since it is indigenous to number of countries in that region: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, southern Philippines where it is known as kalis. Given the number of countries where it is popular, it obviously has several names. I already mentioned kalis which is Filipino name for it, and Kris, westernized name, which is also used in Thailand. The rest of the countries listed above use kreis for pronunciation and spelling. Plus half a dozen western variations on those names, though none of them are correct anyway. As for its designed use, it's rather dual. It is both a weapon and a spiritual object, sign of good luck etc. Well, both are understandable, dagger in general is pretty much useless for non combat use, especially the kris dagger with its wavy blade. On the other hand, that wavy blade is what makes Kris blades so different and so attractive, and obviously a good candidate for use in various ceremonies.When I first got the knife, I played with it a bit, then I forgot about it. I've examined the blade again, and I was surprised. Even if it's not a high end piece, it still has very respectable build quality for rather inexpensive knife. I've seen lots of show piece knives, and honestly, a lot of them were simply flimsy and fragile compared to this knife. This kris dagger is different in that regard. For one, it is quite heavy, 201g(~7oz) to be precise. The guard and buttcap are both brass, and while the buttcap is rather thin, it's still quite solid and well fitted to the handle. The guard is thick and securely fitted. Sadly, I have no idea who made it. There are absolutely mo markings neither on the blade, nor on the wooden scabbard.
Blade
- Kris dagger has 184.00mm(7.24") long blade. At its widest, the blade is 28mm wide, but that's at the hilt, the rest of the blade is narrower, as you can see on the photo attached here. Thickness is quite impressive as well, it's 6.30mm thick and for the knife of that size, 6+mm is thick. The blade has some sort of edge on it, but it's not real sharp, but like I said it is a display piece, not a real user. As for the steel, no info on that either, but given the price and overall quality, I'm guessing it's AISI 440C class steel.Handle
- Quite simple design, made out of wood. The finish on the wood itself is very smooth and lines are symmetrical. Buttcap and guard are fitted with precision, so there are no protruding parts that might scratch your palm. I've seen far worse on more expensive knives.Well, that's it for this Kris Dagger. It was a present, and it is quite well made for its price. When I get a nice display cabinet I'll put it in there. No actual use for it. Still, it's a pretty good eye candy ;)
Specifications:
- Model - Kris Dagger
- Blade - 184.00mm(7.24")
- Thickness - 6.30mm
- Width - 28.00mm
- OAL - 298.00mm(11.73")
- Steel - 440C steel at 56-58HRC
- Handle - Wood
- Weight - 201.10g(6.8oz)
- Acquired - 08/2000 Price - 50.00$
Last updated - 05/19/19