Malayan tribal machete

[KradSpam]

I got this piece from former AAC helicopter pilot Dick Kalinski who flew missions in Borneo in support of SAS troops, and was given to the pilot by an SAS trooper in theatre. It is a hand made tribal (I think Iban) machete with wooden hand carved sheath. I particularly like the woven grass detail, which is there for nothing other than decoration I also have a standard issue 1960's British machete from the same source in pretty rough shape.

Interesting is the 22 marking, which I have always assumed to be related to 22 SAS. Perhaps done by the individual trooper to whom it belonged, or maybe the SAS had a batch of these made by a local craftsman and had the markings added at the time?

Enjoy

[KradSpam]

Really nobody interested in this one? I think it is pretty cool.

[SteveR]

Never seen one before. Shape is well designed for work.
I would hate to be on the recieving end of such a weapon.

[big ned]

Hi KS,

The knife is commonly known as a Golok and is of Indonesian origins. In Malaya they were more often known as a Parang and the 1950's pattern British Army type machete was based on the design (they were often called 'tree beaters' as they were not considered the best blades for cutting through jungle!) The indiginous original shape was far better for cutting through green timber due to the tapered shape of the blade and the fact that it could be sharpened like a razor because the blade was flexible low carbon steel. This meant it had to be sharpened regularly.

The one you show was, and still is, very popular with SF on secondment to jungle enviroments. My father, who was posted to Malaya in the early 50's on armoured cars, well remembers SAS wallahs using them. He said the 'Shhh, Shhh' noise of the troopers sharpening them in camp in the middle of the night made his blood run cold!!

Regards, Ned.

[KradSpam]

Great info Ned thanks a lot!