Kris Restoration Process

Battara · 1st September 2008, 01:45 AM

Since some have asked me in the past to share process, I thought I would here. The first pictures are of a kris as it came to me. It needed hilt restoration, a baka-baka clamp, and a large part of the scabbard was missing along with the wranga (top part).

Battara · 1st September 2008, 01:58 AM

I based the silver restorations on imprints I found on the hilt as well as the baka-baka.

The bigger process was the wranga. I had to cut a chunk of burled walnut from a log and carve it out. Then I stained it to better match the hue of the scabbard patina.

Battara · 1st September 2008, 02:00 AM

Finally, I took plain sheet silver and wrapped the scabbard, making silver bands and placing them on the scabbard.

Battara · 1st September 2008, 02:01 AM

This is the end result:

kino · 1st September 2008, 05:07 AM

Cool
You make it looks so easy. How about closeups of the hilt and the baka-baka.. That is some log.

Flavio · 1st September 2008, 10:42 AM

Excellent job, Jose! Congratulations!!!

kai · 2nd September 2008, 09:03 AM

Nice job, Jose!

Just curious: Isn't this a Sulu kalis seko? Why do you call the clamp by the Maranao name (baka-baka rather than asang-asang) and also use a non-Sulu crosspiece design?

BTW, when does this hilt/pommel design show up? I don't think I've seen that with old (like pre-Span.-Am. war) kris.

Regards,
Kai

Battara · 2nd September 2008, 09:26 AM

Kai, I'm not sure I would call this Sulu. The "mouth" does not suggest this to me. I thought it to be Maguindanano, though a form that can look Tausug.

As for baka-baka vs asang-asang - you got me.

I used the term as a short cut or short hand for all the clamps. Guess I need to stop cheating on the terms.

The hilt design - that was from the indentations on the wood. I have seen this on turn of the century pieces before, though I admit uncommon.

Battara · 3rd September 2008, 03:09 AM

Here is a close up of the finished wranga:

Ferguson · 3rd September 2008, 03:35 AM

Jose, I'm the one who should be embarrased, talking "engineer speak" to an artist!

I sent an email hopefully explaining my question better.

Nice work sir!
Steve

mross · 5th September 2008, 07:46 PM

Jose,
I have to say nice job. It is more then I ever expected for that kalis. You have restored it to the dignity that it had before it fell on hard time. Thankyou.
Mike

1st September 2008, 01:45 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,221	Kris Restoration Process Since some have asked me in the past to share process, I thought I would here. The first pictures are of a kris as it came to me. It needed hilt restoration, a baka-baka clamp, and a large part of the scabbard was missing along with the wranga (top part). Attached Images

1st September 2008, 01:58 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,221	I based the silver restorations on imprints I found on the hilt as well as the baka-baka. The bigger process was the wranga. I had to cut a chunk of burled walnut from a log and carve it out. Then I stained it to better match the hue of the scabbard patina. Attached Images

1st September 2008, 02:00 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,221	Finally, I took plain sheet silver and wrapped the scabbard, making silver bands and placing them on the scabbard. Attached Images

1st September 2008, 02:01 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,221	This is the end result: Attached Images

2nd September 2008, 09:26 AM	#8
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,221	Kai, I'm not sure I would call this Sulu. The "mouth" does not suggest this to me. I thought it to be Maguindanano, though a form that can look Tausug. As for baka-baka vs asang-asang - you got me. I used the term as a short cut or short hand for all the clamps. Guess I need to stop cheating on the terms. The hilt design - that was from the indentations on the wood. I have seen this on turn of the century pieces before, though I admit uncommon. Last edited by Battara; 2nd September 2008 at 10:06 AM.

1st September 2008, 05:07 AM	#5
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,002	Cool You make it looks so easy. How about closeups of the hilt and the baka-baka.. That is some log.

1st September 2008, 10:42 AM	#6
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Excellent job, Jose! Congratulations!!!

2nd September 2008, 09:03 AM	#7
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Nice job, Jose! Just curious: Isn't this a Sulu kalis seko? Why do you call the clamp by the Maranao name (baka-baka rather than asang-asang) and also use a non-Sulu crosspiece design? BTW, when does this hilt/pommel design show up? I don't think I've seen that with old (like pre-Span.-Am. war) kris. Regards, Kai

3rd September 2008, 03:09 AM	#9
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,221	Here is a close up of the finished wranga: Attached Images

3rd September 2008, 03:35 AM	#10
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Jose, I'm the one who should be embarrased, talking "engineer speak" to an artist! I sent an email hopefully explaining my question better. Nice work sir! Steve

5th September 2008, 07:46 PM	#11
mross Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 478	Jose, I have to say nice job. It is more then I ever expected for that kalis. You have restored it to the dignity that it had before it fell on hard time. Thankyou. Mike