Ilang Rentap

When creating new saber designs, we typically focus on themes that we are personally interested in. But this special piece represents something entirely different because rather than basing its concept on entertainment media, it was inspired by something much closer to home. Being a Malaysian company, this saber pays homage to one of the largest ethnic groups in Borneo who are integral to our nation’s history – the Iban.

To embody this piece, we selected the Senza as our canvas. Its design began by adorning the robust armored emitter shrouds with motifs found on Iban shields, which were often made from a single piece of soft wood and strengthened with strips of rattan. Some of these were elaborately decorated, typically featuring a central humanoid face, out of which complex patterns flowed. Our rendition incorporates those organic swirls – here symbolic of a vine's natural ability to survive and adapt in challenging environments.

From there, the majority of this hilt was carefully reverse acid etched with intricate designs found on the Iban ceremonial textile known as “pua kumbu”. This traditional hand-woven fabric has roots in ancient Iban legends, with its ornate geometry said to originate from the land of the gods, and it is still used today for both practical and ceremonial purposes. To instill a sense of harmony with nature, the saber was powder coated in a natural bronzium finish, and was then accented with a gold activation switch, screws, and a brass Covertec wheel.

As a final tribute, this saber was given a name that was derived from a mighty Iban warrior who was said to be the “Earth-tremor, World-shaker”. Thus, in the spirit of still fighting as long as one was still alive, this saber has been given the name “Ilang Rentap”. It will be available in the Sabertrio June RTS drop that is happening this coming Saturday, June 22nd at 9am EDT.