Kali (knife)
| Kalis | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | Philippines (Sulu archipelago, Mindanao, Visayan, llocano people), Indonesia (Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Talaud Islands), Malaysia, Brunei |
| Service history | |
| In service | Tondo , Rajahnate of Cebu Butuan , Seludong , Sultanate of Maguindanao , Sultanate of Sulu , Bruneian Empire |
| Used by | Moro people (Maguindanao people, Maranao people, Sulu people), Bugis people, Visayans |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 80-90cm |
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| Blade type | Double edged |
| Hilt type | Wood, ivroy |
| Scabbard/sheath | Wood |
A kalis is a type of double-edged Filipino sword, often with a "wavy" section, similar to a keris. Just like the keris, the Kalis's double-edged blade can be used for both cutting and thrusting; except that the Kalis is much larger than most Kerises, making it a sword rather than a dagger.
The wavy portion of the kalis is said to be meant to facilitate easier slashing in battle - since a straight edge tends to get stuck in the opponent's bones, the wavy portion allows the kalis' bearer to more easily pull the weapon out of his opponent's body.
It is believed that the predecessor of the keris first appeared in the 13th century, originally from the island of Java in Indonesia. In Indonesia, versions of the kris can be found in Kalimantan and Sulawesi, where is it known as Sundang, Sondang or Sulu Keris. From there the kalis migrated to the Philippines. Countries in which the kalis is considered to be one of the main weapons including Malaysia and some other countries in Southeast Asia.
The kris is available in different shapes and sizes. Usually, the kris has a special blade that is straight at the top and has a wavy shape at the handle. All the Filipino types of kris swords are both larger and heavier than those from Indonesia. Although it is considered to be a slashing weapon, the kris can be effectively used for thrusts and stabs.
The kalis blade is defined as one that is wide on the base and double-edged. It is capable of delivering both chopping and slicing cuts. While many assume the traditional form of the kalis is the fully wavy blade, the half-waved half-straight, as well as the fully straight blades, are equally if not more common, as straight blades were more practical in combat. Moro kalis blades generally range in size from 18 to 26 inches (46 to 66 cm), though as with all Moro weapons there are exceptions. Generally however, the larger blades are found on later pieces, while the oldest Moro kalis tend to be of smaller stature. Damascene patterning is sometimes evident though often not as controlled as seen in the complex pattern welding of the smaller Malay keris.
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Wikipedia