Who OWNS Asia’s Most Sacred Blade? The Filipino vs. Indonesian Keris WAR

Across Southeast Asia, the Kris—sometimes called the Keris—is more than a weapon. It’s sacred, symbolic, and deeply tied to national identity. But here’s the thing: both Indonesia and the Philippines claim it. So we set out to see for ourselves. We forged two Kris blades in the heartlands where the tradition still lives—one in Java, one in Mindanao—and uncovered the contrasts in craftsmanship, meaning, and cultural pride. This is a story about history, survival, and who still bleeds for the blade. To order a Keris blade, message Mpu (Master) Sanamo directly on WhatsApp: +62 817-0370-9427