Hi David,
According to the Javanese 'traditional consensus', a keris which had luk more than 13 or had an 'odd shape' could be classified in general term as 'Palawija/Kalawija', while it may has it's own specific dhapur such as Kala Bendhu (luk-29). I prefer, and believe, the correct term should be 'Palawija', the term came from agricultural language which means the crops other than 'main crops' such as peanuts or cassava, other than rice, which usually planted in ricefield after the rice had been harvested. It is interval crops between two rice's planting season.
Thus, dhapur Palawijas are dhapurs other than 'main dhapurs'. It is believed to be reserved for those who have 'unusual purpose' or 'extraordinary characteristic' such as an artist. It is not necessarily good nor bad, it is just 'unusual'. When assessing such kerises, I suggest we assess the authenticity and workmanship first, while the 'uniqueness' come last. Please do not extend this 'consensus' to other cultures, as they may had other standards. In fact, a keris with luk more than 13 quite often in Bali's blades.
Regarding Kanjeng Triadi's, I couldn't gave any comment as I had not handle it personally. If we encounter this kind of keris, authenticy should always came as the first issue. But since Kanjeng Triadi inherited this, I believe authenticity is not an issue for he himself.
About the sheath, yes, I agree with you David, Ladrang (or Branggah for Jogjakarta's similar style) would be the 'all-seasons' keris sheath, hard to be wrong when you wear it. It is OK to wear the ladrang in informal situation, it is just you have to be very careful not to chip the tip of it (which may cost you a lot of tears
). Gayaman, the more 'casual' and robust sheath, may allow you to became active/work. The Jogjakarta's court abdi dalem usually wear Gayaman on their daily attendance for this reason. (Some may wear Branggah also, and OK).
Kanjeng Triadi,
I absolutely agree with Alan's suggestion. Just an addition, as you live in Jakarta, you probably may contact 'Panji Nusantara', the Jakarta-based keris devotee association (
panjinusantara@yahoo.com ) or Damartaji. Please use your senses, never buy stories and be very careful if it start to involve money. Not everyone honest. And neither do I
What kind of 'red wood' do you mean? Did you mean 'red-lacquered pendok' instead ? IMHO, traditionally, there would be only 3 kinds of wood prefered : Sandalwood, Timoho, and Trembalo. In Surakarta sheath, I would love to have a sandalwood gandar iras sheath. I seen several good-cut,newly made sandalwood and ivory ladrangs (both are not gandar iras, especially the ivory, off course) last June in Kompas exhibiton last June. You may go after them, if you wish.
best regards,
boedhi adhitya