#klewang

[strange-doors-archived]

The land itself stands with us. Our efforts are not in vain.

Swordtember 2025 day 20- Overgrown. Inspired by the Kelantanese Klewang

[handfulsofhistory]

Klewang (kelewang) broadly refers to various types of heavy single-edged Indonesian long swords including the Acehnese sikin panjang. Some klewang have a drop point on the back side (i.e. they come to a point but are only tapered on one side toward the tip). Other klewangs, like this one, are broad, almost spatulate, all the way to the end of the blade and thus rely on the single sharpened edge for slashing blows, with little or no utility as thrusting weapons.

[lambert-lambert-antiques]

1880 Dutch Klewang

This sword is a model 1898 Dutch Klewang Cutlass. The side of the blade is stamped with location of the manufacturer HEMBURG. The Blade and scabbard are in excellent conditiono, with some light pitting to a small area. The handle and scabbard are in mint condition.

Shortly after production began in Solingen the Dutch government moved the production of the M1898 Klewang Cutlass to Hembrug in the Netherlands where it was manufactured into the 1920-1930's. Most of the M1898 Klewangs bear the maker mark Hembrug

Introduced to the Dutch navy following the Dutch-Aceh War in the late 19th century. This weapon proved to be excellently designed for the close man to man fighting that was encountered. Proving to be more effective than the bayonet rifle combo, troops armed with the Klewang and a short carbine proved to be ideally suited in the close jungle warfare.

The design originated with Commander General Van Heutsz. During the war he ordered the formation of small companies, called Marechaussee (Military Police brigades) to be armed with short sabres of a mixed European-Indonesian design. This design was named Marechaussee Klewang

The style of cutlass was adopted by the Dutch in the  1880’s with further modification to the design in 1911.  A similar style of cutlass was adopted by the US navy in 1940

https://www.lambertantiques.com/shop-online/1880-dutch-klewang-cutlass-with-scabbard-475

[armthearmour]

A late model Klewang, Dutch, ca. 1898-1960, from Chiswick Auctions.

[historicalfightingguide]

Fencing with the Klewang.pdf

“In case you happen to be interested in the klewang and its use, but could not make it to the ISS* last weekend, or took the other lessons running in parallel, you can find my handout here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lFQbysuhoeEFIvjBZ-bXSMLgAE9SFM5M/view It is still very much a work in progress, so expect things to change and evolve over time. For example, my stance is way to narrow and not deep enough for klewang according to the VOVBW. That is my Art of Defence training creeping up on me. I also want to add photos for the combinations, as a reference. I hope to have it much improved when I next get the chance to introduce people to the klewang. “

Found here.

*ISS standing for International Sabre Symposium,not the International Space Station.

[bailiesartblog]

Some sword designs based off of real swords from around the world (I had to limit it to my favourite 16). Check out the Urumi though

[victoriansword]

Dutch Klewang (Maréchaussée sabel)

The Dutch klewang is a pretty famous type of sword and antique examples are often encountered. They were in use from before 1898 and until after WW2 and formed the basis for the US M1917 naval cutlass. Very useful thread with more detail: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthr...

[18th-19thcenturygeek]

Two non-commisioned officers of the Royal Dutch military constibulary (Koninklijke Nederlandse Marechaussee) in service dress with and without greatcoat around 1929. The mounted corporal on the left is wearing the Dutch cavalry sword M.1876. The sergeant on foot on the right is wearing the carbine M95 and the klewang-Marechaussee M.1913. This model klewang is recognisable for instance by its chromed steel scabbard and chromed blade. It is still in use today only as a ceremonial weapon.