Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Bill M · 22nd September 2007, 01:01 PM

Dan,

While I would not rate these as really old, they look like they are well made. Not likely laminated, but could have differentially hardened cutting edges.

Here is a good research site for all kinds of weapons. Use his search function. (lower left corner) You can enter "Chinese" and see a lot of quality pieces.

http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=1921

If you want to see differentially hardened edges or lamination's, clean the blades carefully to remove any oil. I use acetone, lacquer thinner, alcohol, or anything like this. Heat the blade until it is a little too warm to touch, and then wipe it for a few minutes with vinegar.

Any lamination patterns will show up. Usually within five minutes. Use an ammonia based product, household cleanser, Windex, etc to stop the vinegar action. Dry and re-oil.

If you have nothing else, the American favorite Coca Cola (contains phosphoric acid) will show some lamination's, but not as good as vinegar (or lime juice).

There are other chemicals as well, but some may be a bit tricky to handle (could hurt your fingers).

Don't be afraid of experimenting. The etch can easily be cleaned off if you don't like it.

22nd September 2007, 01:01 PM	#2
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Dan, While I would not rate these as really old, they look like they are well made. Not likely laminated, but could have differentially hardened cutting edges. Here is a good research site for all kinds of weapons. Use his search function. (lower left corner) You can enter "Chinese" and see a lot of quality pieces. http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=1921 If you want to see differentially hardened edges or lamination's, clean the blades carefully to remove any oil. I use acetone, lacquer thinner, alcohol, or anything like this. Heat the blade until it is a little too warm to touch, and then wipe it for a few minutes with vinegar. Any lamination patterns will show up. Usually within five minutes. Use an ammonia based product, household cleanser, Windex, etc to stop the vinegar action. Dry and re-oil. If you have nothing else, the American favorite Coca Cola (contains phosphoric acid) will show some lamination's, but not as good as vinegar (or lime juice). There are other chemicals as well, but some may be a bit tricky to handle (could hurt your fingers). Don't be afraid of experimenting. The etch can easily be cleaned off if you don't like it.