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Old 17th July 2008, 12:45 AM   #9
A. G. Maisey
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Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 6,991
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Nice pedang.

"Lurus" simply means straight. A pedang lurus is a straight pedang.

A pedang with a return edge at the point is a thrusting pedang, or pedang suduk (Javanese) , pedang tusuk (Indonesian).

This pedang has a return edge, thus it is a pedang suduk.

There are two broad classifications of Javanese pedang:- pedang suduk, thrusting sword; pedang sabet:- slashing sword.

However, the typical forms of Javanese slashing sword are forward weighted, they are not designed for a draw cut, which would tend to indicate use on horseback, but rather for a heavy chopping action, a more effective usage for somebody on foot.

This sword bears none of the essential features for a Javanese slashing sword, thus it cannot be classified as one.

However, the blade is capable of a draw cut. This is unusual for a Javanese pedang.

This sword carries European influence, it is not a traditional form of Javanese sword.

The picture from Oriental Arms is a good representation of a typical pedang suduk.

The pamor can be classified as "pandan iris". This is from Haryono Haryoguritno, who is the most respected recently published authority. I could give it another half dozen names, but rather than muddy the water, it is perhaps best to stay with the authority currently in vogue.

This pamor is a stack of small slices of contrasting material.Pamor lawe setukal winds back and forth across the blade; pamor buntel mayat winds around the blade and is angled. ( please note:- mayat meaning sloping or slanted, which perfectly describes the pamor, not mayit, meaning "corpse".)

In determination of origin, we normally use objects of known origin to guide us. We cannot do that with this sword. However, my feeling is that this sword probably comes from Madura. The kepet (flange) at the end of the scabbard is more Madura-like than the form seen in Central Jawa, but on the other hand, the motif on the scabbard shows some similarity to the motifs used on pendok from Banyumas in Central Jawa. Considering all characteristics of the sword, I'd be inclined to opt for Madura.

Madura is a part of East Jawa, however, the rulers in Madura were considerably influenced by the Dutch, whereas there was less opportunity for Dutch influence in regal or military affairs in the rest of East Jawa, so in this case, if we say "East Jawa", we can safely nominate Madura.

Note:- I prefer to use "return edge", or "back edge", rather than "false edge"; in a blade with a false edge at the foible, that edge is often left unsharpened, making it a true "false edge", however, the term "back edge", or "return edge" does not carry the same connotation of falseness.
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