New Guy, 'nother New Keris

[JamesKelly]

This 13-luk keris just arrived from a dealer in Singapore. The Pendok (Hey! I'm learning a new language) got damaged in transit or during packing but I do like the blade.
After reading the previous post on an interesting keris from auk I wonder if I will ever know anything about this field. Well, my excuse around the house is that, at my age I need to get the brain learning new things.
So here it is. I am told it is a "keris Jawa Timur Luk 13 Pelet", 19th century. I can see it has 13, or 11 depending on how one counts, waves but beyond that I am in darkness. The pamor was said to be in the melon's skin variation (kulit semangko)
It is covered with a fragrant oil & came with two small containers of oil, which I presume has traditional significance but know no further. Except not to lick the blade.
So, gentlemen, what might your comments be?
Whatever it is, I am pleased with it.

[tunggulametung]

Congratulations for your new keris. I agree with most of what you've already said, except that from your photos the blade appear like modern blade to me (last 20 c. or even early 21 c.)-- please keep in mind this is just my personal opinion. I like the blade for what it is. The fittings could have been better but I wouldn't change anything except the hilt ring which is Jogja/Central Java style (only if I got a chance/I wouldn't pursue a replacement).
For now I think you have better chances buying from your local market

[Jean]

Hi James,
It is not the pendok (metal over sheath) which got damaged but the gandar (wooden stem). From the pictures the hilt appears of low quality (wood species and carvings).
Best regards

[David]

Originally Posted by tunggulametung

I'm sorry to sound like a snob but I suggest not to source overseas except you know what you buy. When you still 'reading' a seller description to find a clue, you are not prepared. You should be confident by looking at the photos/object itself, then you are good. For now I think you have better chances buying from your local market

James lives in the Midwestern United States. Finding keris in local markets in this region is a rare occurrence. My suggestion is to find and form a relation with a trusted dealer (who will most probably be overseas) and stick with that for a while.
Keris are generally maintained (fed) with fragrant oils. I would apply these oils whenever you blade starts to look too dry.

[tunggulametung]

Originally Posted by David

James lives in the Midwestern United States. Finding keris in local markets in this region is a rare occurrence. My suggestion is to find and form a relation with a trusted dealer (who will most probably be overseas) and stick with that for a while.
Keris are generally maintained (fed) with fragrant oils. I would apply these oils whenever you blade starts to look too dry.

I'm sorry, I mean to say domestic market/non import to get started, one of the reason being hassle with shipping/return etc.

[Jean]

Originally Posted by David

Keris are generally maintained (fed) with fragrant oils. I would apply these oils whenever you blade starts to look too dry.

Is this a good practice? I have found that these flagrant pusaka oils do not prevent rust and tend to deposit on the blade if they are applied too frequently. I personally stopped using them and only use 3 in 1 spray (anti-rust/ hydrofuge/ lubricant) but gun or paraffine oil is another good alternative. Your opinions will be welcome.
Regards

[David]

Originally Posted by Jean

Is this a good practice? I have found that these flagrant pusaka oils do not prevent rust and tend to deposit on the blade if they are applied too frequently. I personally stopped using them and only use 3 in 1 spray (anti-rust/ hydrofuge/ lubricant) but gun or paraffine oil is another good alternative. Your opinions will be welcome.
Regards

Well, my suggestion was not to apply oil frequently, but when the blade "looks too dry." I have never had a problem with any build up on the blade, but then i make my own oil that uses mineral oil as it's base, not the coconut oil that some traditional oils do. It could be that build up occurs from the coconut oil base. For myself using scented oils is essential for the "spiritual" care of my blades. Other collectors obviously do not hold to this and can disregard my practice if they wish. In all my years of collecting i have never had a rust problem with this method.

[Jean]

Hi David,
With a mineral oil base it should be OK as it is chemically stable
Regards

[Marcokeris]

Originally Posted by JamesKelly

This 13-luk keris just arrived from a dealer in Singapore. The Pendok (Hey! I'm learning a new language) got damaged in transit or during packing but I do like the blade.
After reading the previous post on an interesting keris from auk I wonder if I will ever know anything about this field. Well, my excuse around the house is that, at my age I need to get the brain learning new things.
So here it is. I am told it is a "keris Jawa Timur Luk 13 Pelet", 19th century. I can see it has 13, or 11 depending on how one counts, waves but beyond that I am in darkness. The pamor was said to be in the melon's skin variation (kulit semangko)
It is covered with a fragrant oil & came with two small containers of oil, which I presume has traditional significance but know no further. Except not to lick the blade.
So, gentlemen, what might your comments be?
Whatever it is, I am pleased with it.

Nice! I like

[Jean]

Any detailed comment about the blade?
Regards