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Forged in Fire: TOP 7 WEAPONS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA | History

HISTORY・30 minutes read

The text discusses the historical significance and testing of various traditional Filipino blades like the War Galact, Chris, Pandat, Campilon, and Kelawang, highlighting their effectiveness in combat and unique features. Contestants compete in Forged in Fire by testing the sharpness, chopping abilities, and strength of these blades, with winners crowned based on performance in specific challenges like sharpness, lethality, and durability.

Insights

  • The War Galact, originating in the Philippines during the 16th century, was a tipless weapon due to Spanish influence, evolving into variations like the British Army Galact in later years.
  • Bladesmiths tested the sharpness and effectiveness of their weapons by delivering hacks and slashes on carcasses, with edge retention and balance being crucial factors in determining the weapon's success in battle.

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Recent questions

  • What is the origin of the War Galact?

    Philippines, 16th century, no tip due to Spanish occupation.

  • How were the War Galact weapons tested?

    By delivering hacks and slashes on a big carcass.

  • What is the significance of the Chris sword?

    Originated in 1361 A.D. in East Java.

  • How were the Pandat swords tested?

    Against carcasses and strength against sugar cane bundles.

  • What was the outcome of the Campilon sword testing?

    Michael emerged as the Forged in Fire champion.

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Summary

00:00

Blades of War: Forged in Fire Champions

  • The War Galact, originating in the Philippines during the 16th century, featured a straight double-edged blade with no tip due to Spanish occupation.
  • By the Philippine Revolution in 1896, the tipless weapon became a weapon of war, inspiring later variations like the British military's Army Galact in the 1950s.
  • Bladesmiths tested the weapons by delivering hacks and slashes on a big carcass, evaluating the sharpness and effectiveness of the blades.
  • Brian's War Galact had a razor-sharp edge that lacerated easily through bones, with a blocky handle being the only issue.
  • Matt's War Galact had a forward-balancing weight, sharp enough to lacerate into the carcass, proving its effectiveness in battle.
  • In a strength test, Brian's edge held up perfectly after ten strikes into huge logs, showing no bending or warping.
  • Matt's War Galact, while still sharp, had significant bending due to the forward weight, leading to his elimination.
  • The Chris, originating in 1361 A.D. in East Java, was tested for its slashing and chopping abilities against moving targets and animal carcasses.
  • Mace's Chris had a balance that allowed for smooth attacks and recoveries, proving its lethality in combat.
  • Murray's Chris had a slight drag in the feel of the cut but still cleanly sliced through, showcasing its sharpness and effectiveness.
  • In a strength test against bamboo, both Mace and Murray's Chris blades held up well, but Mace emerged as the Forged in Fire champion due to Murray's blade bending.
  • The Pandat, a two-handed sword from Borneo, was tested for sharpness, lethality against carcasses, and strength against sugar cane bundles.
  • Joey's Pandat had a forward-heavy balance that pulled him into the carcass but cut cleanly, proving its effectiveness in battle.
  • Pete's Pandat had a lighter blade with good velocity for cutting, showing its sharpness and lethality.
  • In a strength test against sugar cane, Joey's blade had a twist and bend, while Pete's blade flexed but returned to true, leading to Pete's victory as the Forged in Fire champion.
  • The Campilon, a sword from the Philippines, was tested for sharpness by chopping through ropes, showcasing its weight distribution and cutting abilities.
  • Todd's Campilon had all the weight at the tip, making it a two-hand only sword, while Michael's had weight further back, allowing for more control and precision in cutting ropes. Todd's heavier blade led to his elimination, making Michael the Forged in Fire champion.

20:40

"Blade tests reveal champion's worthiness"

  • The kill test involves delivering lethal blows on a big carcass using a campilon blade.
  • Concern arises due to the thickness of the blade in the middle potentially slowing it down.
  • The swing almost cuts all the way through the pig carcass, showcasing the blade's competence.
  • Strength and durability of the blade are tested by chopping into green bamboo.
  • No damage is observed on the edge of the blade after the bamboo test.
  • Michael emerges as the Forged and Fire champion, winning $10,000.
  • The Kelawang, a single-edged sword from Malaysia, is tested on ballistics dummies.
  • Hunter's blade breaks during the strength test due to a saw cut causing stress risers.
  • Tim's blade survives the strength test, showcasing its durability and sharpness.
  • Tim is crowned the Forged in Fire champion, proving his blade's worthiness and craftsmanship.

41:13

"Magellan's Landing Sparks Weapon Sharpness Test"

  • In 1521, Magellan's landing on Cebu led to conflict between the Philippines and Spain. The contestants tested their weapons by striking Spanish helmets, focusing on the helmet's impact on the weapon's edge.
  • The sharpness test involved cutting a rope to release a sandbag simulating an attack. Josh's weapon proved effective in close combat, leading to his victory over Ray due to subtle design details like an octagonal handle and spine file work.
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