Handles are typically crafted from native hardwoods (like Narra or Rosewood) or carabao horn. Wooden scabbards are the regional standard to prevent corrosion in humid tropical environments. Common Variations

A broad Tagalog variant used for daily agricultural tasks and slicing.

Traditional bolos are hand-forged, often using high-carbon spring steel repurposed from vehicle leaf springs .

A slender, tapered blade from the Visayas used for self-defense and Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) .

A scythe-like bolo specifically for cutting tall grass.

Behind the Blade: The Lethal History of the Filipino Bolo Knife

In the Philippines, the term "bolo" covers a vast array of specialized blades depending on the region and purpose: