The Bolo

Bolo vs Coconut. Photocredit: Guro Zack
A bolo is a large cutting tool of Filipino origin similar to the machete. The main use of the bolo is clearing vegetation- originally designed as a farming implement it was used extensively by peasants as improvised weaponry.
Bolos are recognizable by their full tang (length of metal in the handle) surrounded or sandwiched by pieces of hardwood or horn. The blade widens at its curve, far from the handle which gives extra momentum for chopping. Eventually some bolos became more combat oriented and are slightly longer and less wide at the tip, bringing the center of balance further back towards the handle.
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(Reproduced under fair-use and with credit)

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