- Bolo knife
A bolo is a large cutting tool similar to the
machete , used particularly in the jungles ofIndonesia , thePhilippines , and in the sugar fields ofCuba . The primary use for the "bolo" is clearing vegetation, whether for agriculture or duringtrail blazing .The bolo is called an "itak" in Tagalog while in Hiligaynon, the blade is referred to as either a "binangon" or a "talibong".
Historical significance
Bolos are also used as military weapons and as such they were a particular favourite of the
Lapu-Lapu against Magellan, Filipino resistance during the 1898Philippine Revolution , the Cry of Balintawak againstSpain , thePhilippine-American War , and the Commonwealth period. Since the "bolo" was first used as a farming implement, it was used in combat because during colonial times the ubiquitous "bolo" was readily available to the common person. For this reason the study of the bolo is common inFilipino martial arts ,such asBalintawak ,Pekiti-Tirsia Kali andModern Arnis .Design
Bolos are characterized by having a native
hardwood handle, a full tang, and by a blade that both curves and widens, often considerably so, at its tip. This moves thecentre of gravity as far forward as possible, giving the knife extra momentum for chopping vegetation. So-called "jungle bolos", intended for combat rather than agricultural work, tend to be longer and less wide at the tip.Types
Various types of bolos are employed. An assortment of bolos and related implements include:
#The all-purpose "bolo": Used for all sorts of odd jobs, including breaking opencoconut s.
#The "haras": Similar to a smallscythe , it is used for cutting tall grass.
#The "kutsilyo": The term comes from the Spanish word "cuchillo", meaningknife . Generally used to kill and bleedswine during slaughter.
#A smaller "bolo".
#The "bolo-guna": A bolo specifically shaped for digging out roots and weeding.
#The "garab": Used to harvestrice .
#The "sundang": Supposedly used mainly to open coconuts. The "sundang", also called "tip bolo" or "itak", was a popular weapon of choice in the revolution against the Spanish colonial government and during thePhilippine-American War .
#A large "pinuti ".Other uses of the term
In the US military, the slang term "to bolo" – to fail a test, exam or evaluation, originated from the Philippine-American guerrilla forces during
World War II ; those guerrillas who failed to demonstrate proficiency in marksmanship were issued bolos instead of firearms so as not to waste scarce ammunition. [cite web | last = | first = | title =Spanish-American War slang | url=http://www.patriotfiles.com/forum/showthread.php?p=667 | accessdate = 2008-03-30]Gallery
See also
*
Cane knife
*Kukri Footnotes
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