Everything about Bolo Knife totally explained
A
bolo is a large cutting tool similar to the
machete, used particularly in the jungles of
Indonesia, the
Philippines, and in the sugar fields of
Cuba. The primary use for the
bolo is clearing vegetation, whether for agriculture or during
trail blazing.
Other names
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
Filipino resistance during the 1898
Philippine Revolution against
Spain, the
Philippine-American War, and the
Commonwealth period. For this reason the study of the bolo is common in
Filipino martial arts.
Design
Bolos are particularly characterized by having a native
hardwood handle, a full
tang, and by a blade that both curves and gets wider, often considerably so, at its tip. This moves the
centre of gravity as far forward as possible, giving the knife extra momentum for chopping vegetation. So-called "jungle bolos" or
itak in
Tagalog, intended for combat more 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 open coconuts.
- The haras. Similar to a small scythe, it's used for cutting tall grass.
- The kutsilyo. The term comes from the Spanish word cuchillo, meaning knife. Generally used to kill and bleed swine during slaughter.
- A smaller bolo.
- The bolo-guna. A bolo specifically shaped for digging out roots and weeding.
- The garab. Used to harvest rice.
- 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 the Philippine-American War.
- A large bolo.
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.
Gallery
Image:bolo in use.jpg|Using a bolo to open a coconut
Further Information
Get more info on 'Bolo Knife'.
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