SULU KALIS

[xasterix]

Hullo, just sharing pics of a partially restored kalis from my godfather's collection. Enjoy!

[kino]

Nice pattern. I like it.
What did you use to etch/stain the blade with?
Thanks for sharing.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by kino

Nice pattern. I like it.
What did you use to etch/stain the blade with?
Thanks for sharing.

Halloo sir, just good old white vinegar =)

[kino]

Datu Puti?😊
Did you soak it or brushed on?
Here’s an old photo of a dark stained blade.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by kino

Datu Puti?😊
Did you soak it or brushed on?
Here’s an old photo of a dark stained blade.

Yes Datu Puti indeed! I dunked it for hours. It had a loooot of rust, there are remnants still visible in the pics.

[kai]

Halloo sir, just good old white vinegar =)

This contrast is more than unusual for etching by vinegar.

Soaking rusted blades in organic acids can activate earlier etchants, especially warangan.

Usage of warangan might not have been terribly common but the blade from the historic pic does look like it got a good dose of arsenic! (Or merely some kind of paint? )

Regards,
Kai

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by kai

This contrast is more than unusual for etching by vinegar.

Soaking rusted blades in organic acids can activate earlier etchants, especially warangan.

Usage of warangan might not have been terribly common but Date Puti's blade does look like it got a good dose of arsenic! (Or even some kind of paint? )

Regards,
Kai

I was also amazed by how the contrast jumped. Thanks very much for this assessment =)

[kai]

You're welcome, Xas!

BTW, could you add a close-up of the base of the blade, please?

Regards,
Kai