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WABUKAN Arsenal · Knives and blades · Southeast Asia

Kris

The asymmetric, often wavy dagger of Indonesia and Malaysia. It is both a weapon and a spiritual heirloom; UNESCO lists the Indonesian kris as heritage of humanity.

Kris
Kris WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

keris · keris; kalis (Philippines)

Origin and history

The keris is the asymmetrical dagger of Java and the Malay world, known since at least the 14th century. It is both a weapon and a spiritual heirloom (pusaka); the Indonesian keris was recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005 (inscribed 2008).

Martial arts that use it

Pencak Silat

Construction

A blade of pattern-welded iron and nickel-bearing metal (pamor), straight or wavy (luk, always an odd number of waves), widening asymmetrically at the base (ganja), with a carved hilt and wooden sheath.

Basic techniques

Training

Short-blade training starts with trainers made of wood, aluminium or rubber. Students drill angles of attack, grips (forward and reverse), checking the opponent’s arm and footwork, then flow drills with a partner. Live blades are kept for solo forms by experienced practitioners, if at all.

Safety

Use training knives for all partner work and eye protection for fast drills. Never mix live and training blades in the same session, store blades sheathed and out of reach of children.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

The number of waves and the pamor pattern are believed to carry meaning; specialised smiths are called empu.

More weapons

Karambit Golok Balisong Bolo Katar Khanjar

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Kris
  2. Wikipedia — Pencak silat