The Kris Knife

The Silat episode of the Human Weapon spent a brief segment on the art's signature weapon: the flame shaped kris knife.

Silat is famous for its fluid blade techniques. And it is widely recognized that there was a cross-polination of technique with the Filipino arts. The kris knife is the principle weapon in the art, and holds a special place in Silat folklore.

Myths surround the kris, and somewhat surprisingly these superstitions still hold sway today. It is said the kris can be milked to produce water. Some believe the kris can project a flame, or kill an opponent merely by pointing it at him. In some stories, the kris will rattle in its sheath to warn of unseen danger. There are even accounts of the kris flying out of the sheath on its own to defend its owner.

Human Weapon perpetuated one of the less fantastic myths about the Kris: that the blade is poisonous, and can kell through nothing more than a scratch. According to the program's narration, a deadly toxin is infused in the blade during the forging process.

Every martial art has its cherished myths. These myths serve important purposes; they can, for instance, help form a sense of belonging within the group. Or serve as warnings to outsiders. Myths are vehicles for deeper truths. Myths can even serve as doorways to legitimate secrets. And in this light, I thought it was very respectful of hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff to accept the myth at face value during their visit. I wish they had identified the myth as such in the post-production.

In checking some reference material, I did uncover that a solution of arsenic and lime juice is used to etch the kris near the final stage of production. But even Arsenic is not so lethal as to kill through the minute strength in a scratch.

I suppose it is not impossible to coat the blade with some poison. Aside from the practical problem of carrying a poisoned blade (i.e. I know I've nicked myself on my everyday carry knife), pioneer martial arts researcher Donn Draeger has pointed out that poison is a rare tool in the Malaysian/Indonesian war and hunting arsenal.

What I think is more plausible is a common environmental explanation as the core of truth to this myth.

Silat originated in the jungle. It grew-up in the back alleys of dingy port cities. Medical knowledge and care was not widespread. These are not ideal sanitary conditions. An infection of even a minor flesh wound had the potential to kill a strong, healthy man.

One way to test this theory is to look for a corresponding myth and ritual -- perhaps more closely guarded -- on how to treat the venomous kiss of a Kris blade. Even then, there is always Tetanus, which simply requires a dirty, rusty blade.

Given the tight training schedule maintained by the Human Weapon crew, I don't expect them to also play Mythbusters for every outrageous claim made by an indiginous master. I'd prefer they continue to show respect toward these traditions.

On the other hand, when a patently unscientific, superstitious claim is made, I'd like to see more mitigation of the statement -- or at least a more reasonable explanation offered. Otherwise, we;ll all be enjoying Bill Duff crushing Kiaijutsu masters, or Jason Chambers shrugging off Dim Mak attacks...