This sword was purchased 30yrs ago in Batangas Philippines up in the mountains where they still make them the old way. It is hand made with high carbon steel salvaged from old car leaf springs that are heated and hammered then tempered and ground to a razor sharp edge. There are many man hours that go into making these blades and the craftsmen that work on them are trained for many generations. Not a production line blade. This blade is made in the Kris style requiring more hours and skill. It also has a hand carved Carabao horn handle.