A simple sundang

Ferguson · 4th February 2007, 04:35 PM

Nothing fancy, just a good solid sundang. The blade is thinner than most I've handled. It's .150" (3.8mm) at the midpoint of the blade. Good and solid though. Looks to have been rehilted at some time. Baca baca is not original. Separate gangya. Comments welcomed.
Thanks!

Steve Ferguson

wilked aka Khun Deng · 5th February 2007, 05:42 AM

Steve, I really like this sword, it has that solidly built common warrior look to it and judging by the size of the hilt, and the forging flaws some definate age. While I also like those that are tricked out to show status, I keep getting draw to the functional and well made as representations of the mainstream culture of the time and fior that I think you have an excellent example.

Have you thought about soaking it in vinegar- we tried that in Sulu with coconut vinegar and if there was any grain it brought it right out. We were really surprised by some that we soaked (1-3 days). Tried it at home with regular vinegar and it worked pretty good also.

Dan

Ferguson · 5th February 2007, 09:33 AM

Hi Dan. That's exactly how I felt, but couldn't put it into words.

It's a commoner's sword, like an arsenal tulwar. The small hilt fits my small hand perfectly, and the hilt is very solid. The baca baca is attached to a metal strap that runs the full lenght of the hilt under the rattan. It's incredibly sharp.

I etched with ferric chloride diluted 4:1. Do you thing vinegar would bring out something more? Would soaking in vinegar possibly soak into the forging flaws causing corrosion in the future?

Thanks much for your reply!

Steve

Rick · 5th February 2007, 03:57 PM

Hi Ferguson,
You should be very careful with strong etchants especially on blades with cold shuts. Did you cover this blade with a baking soda paste and work it into the shuts after etching it with ferric ?

Ferric needs to be totally neutralised or it will keep on eating the steel even after it's dry.

IMO this blade looks a bit burnt, i.e. too dark; kind of like an underexposed picture; a rubdown with lime juice might lighten it a bit and reveal even more activity.

Nice kris.

Ferguson · 5th February 2007, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Hi Ferguson,

IMO this blade looks a bit burnt, i.e. too dark; kind of like an underexposed picture; a rubdown with lime juice might lighten it a bit and reveal even more activity.

Nice kris.

Thanks Rick,
Louieblades told me the same thing. It's a little lighter in person, but it does need lightening a bit. I'll try the lime juice. Much appreciated.

Steve

Flavio · 5th February 2007, 05:21 PM

Hi Steve, I like it!!! congratulations

4th February 2007, 04:35 PM	#1
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	A simple sundang Nothing fancy, just a good solid sundang. The blade is thinner than most I've handled. It's .150" (3.8mm) at the midpoint of the blade. Good and solid though. Looks to have been rehilted at some time. Baca baca is not original. Separate gangya. Comments welcomed. Thanks! Steve Ferguson

5th February 2007, 05:42 AM	#2
wilked aka Khun Deng Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 166	I Like it Steve, I really like this sword, it has that solidly built common warrior look to it and judging by the size of the hilt, and the forging flaws some definate age. While I also like those that are tricked out to show status, I keep getting draw to the functional and well made as representations of the mainstream culture of the time and fior that I think you have an excellent example. Have you thought about soaking it in vinegar- we tried that in Sulu with coconut vinegar and if there was any grain it brought it right out. We were really surprised by some that we soaked (1-3 days). Tried it at home with regular vinegar and it worked pretty good also. Dan

5th February 2007, 09:33 AM	#3
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Hi Dan. That's exactly how I felt, but couldn't put it into words. It's a commoner's sword, like an arsenal tulwar. The small hilt fits my small hand perfectly, and the hilt is very solid. The baca baca is attached to a metal strap that runs the full lenght of the hilt under the rattan. It's incredibly sharp. I etched with ferric chloride diluted 4:1. Do you thing vinegar would bring out something more? Would soaking in vinegar possibly soak into the forging flaws causing corrosion in the future? Thanks much for your reply! Steve

5th February 2007, 03:57 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	Hi Ferguson, You should be very careful with strong etchants especially on blades with cold shuts. Did you cover this blade with a baking soda paste and work it into the shuts after etching it with ferric ? Ferric needs to be totally neutralised or it will keep on eating the steel even after it's dry. IMO this blade looks a bit burnt, i.e. too dark; kind of like an underexposed picture; a rubdown with lime juice might lighten it a bit and reveal even more activity. Nice kris.

5th February 2007, 05:21 PM	#6
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Hi Steve, I like it!!! congratulations