Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 21, 2026

Laring

Laring is one of the traditional ethnic Moro weapons of Southern Philippines. It has a lightweight design for slashing and thrusting. It has a two pronged tip like a blade catcher that looks like a snake's tongue. The blade guard has a small round steel for firmer hold and mobility. The handle end has a unique hooked hilt grip design that serves as a counter weight for better handling and balance and to prevent the sword from slippage when pulling out when stuck in a target.

Last revised
Jul 21, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
195 w
Citations
4
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Laring
TypeSword
Place of originPhilippines
Service history
Used byMoro people
Specifications
Length24–48 in (61–122 cm)
Blade typeSingle edge, pronged tip
Hilt typewood
Scabbard/sheathwood

Laring is one of the traditional ethnic Moro weapons of Southern Philippines.1 It has a lightweight design for slashing and thrusting. It has a two pronged tip like a blade catcher that looks like a snake's tongue.2 The blade guard has a small round steel for firmer hold and mobility. The handle end has a unique hooked hilt grip design that serves as a counter weight for better handling and balance and to prevent the sword from slippage when pulling out when stuck in a target.

The open type scabbard is made of kalantas wood, a type of Philippine mahogany which allows for quick drawing. The length is about 24–48 in (61–122 cm).34

References

References

  1. Draeger, Donn F.; Smith, Robert W. (1980). Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts. Kodansha International. p. 186. ISBN 978-0-87011-436-6. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  2. "Laring | BLADE CULTURE INTERNATIONAL". Bladecultureusa. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  3. Lawrence, Marc. "Filipino Weapons from A-Z" (PDF). Steven K. Dowrd. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 August 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  4. Lawrence, Mark. "Filipino Martial Arts Digest" (PDF). USADojo.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.