Kris blades would fall somewhere between a long knife and a short sword

What makes the Sayoc Pintado Kris different is also what makes it a beautiful, functional tactical blade. While a long blade will keep the enemy at a safe distance, Kris blades’ extra length and weight take away some control in tight spaces.

A standard fixed-blade knife, while excelling in close-quarters control, allows the longer-bladed enemy to gain distance … enough to do damage of their own. The Sayoc Pintado Kris, with its longer blade, gives the user the best of both worlds.

Here are some fun facts about Kris blades:

  1. Keeps the enemy at a safe distance: With an overall length of 21 inches and a blade length of 15.5 inches, the Sayoc Pintado allows the fighter to keep the enemy at a safe distance. However, it is not so long as to compromise control.

2. The weight works for you: This knife is a hefty one—weighing in at 1.3 pounds. However, because of its balance, that weight works with you, not against you.

3. There’s Kris—Versatility in Design and Function: The Kris is a blade designed for battle. Although it is best known for its wavy blade, straight blades are far more common. It is indigenous to Southeast Asia, and each region has its own style and design. There is no such thing as “one size fits all.”

4. An exceptional thrusting weapon: The double edge of the Moro Kris lends itself to be an exceptional thrusting weapon, but its size also makes it a fully capable chopping blade.

Research conducted by Tuhon Rafael shows that the average length of the southern Philippines’ Kris was around 28 inches, although some were as short as 21 inches and others as long as 36 inches.

With lengths such as these, the Kris blades would fall somewhere between a long knife and a short sword.

For more excellent blade stories, check out our other blade articles here.