Weapon Showcase

Admit it you didn’t expect that title.  I didn’t either frankly but it’s been…well, ugly outside…not bad temperatures…quite the contrary…it’s nice but the leaves are done outside…so it’s like a wasteland between fall and winter.  This made me think of current events…the Philippines comes to mind.  You may know my wife of eighteen years is a Filipino.  You also likely have heard of the tragic storm in the Philippines…the largest typhoon ever recorded.  We were relieved to hear our family survived but they lost everything…they have just the clothes on their backs…some don’t even have a pair of slippers.  Samaritan’s Purse and many others are part of relief efforts but who knows how long it will take and if things will ever function again…10,000 dead?  It’s a disaster of epic proportions.  I’ve been to the city that we have no been hearing but most of my time in Leyte was spent in other areas…some of the most memorable missionary journeys I’ve had in my life have been there.  This hits very close to home. 

What has all this to do with my title?  I’m an avid weapon collector and some of the best I’ve ever found has been in the Philippines.  Most I’ve found have been in little shops in Davao City where much of our family lives.  This is one of my most prized .  The scabbard alone made this a must have for me.  Note the tiny bells on it.  It also has wonderful beadwork and horse hair.  The hilt is carved wood.  The blade is razor sharp and quite functional.  Another point of interest is the detailing on the blade itself.  I have been in a jungle or two where this would have been nice.  This other blade I’m showing to contrast style…this one is African, Ghanaian to be specific.  I love Ghanaian leather work.  The blade is also razor sharp and deadly.  Last another prized Filipino dagger.  This one is mounted for the wall but it is covered with great detail.  Horsehair and beadwork again adorn the scabbard.  This blade is meant to be used in combat but for me it’s all about the artwork.  Hope  you enjoyed a little glance at my collection.  Please remember the Philippines in prayer.  I can’t recommend Samaritan’s Purse enough if you desire to give.  Blessings to you all.