Pamor Staining in the UK?

William.m · 8th April 2007, 12:36 PM

Hello all, I have a keris that is in dire need of getting its pamor back. Does anyone here know of anywhere that would stain my keris? I am looking for a place within the UK if possible.

Thanks!

William

David · 8th April 2007, 04:50 PM

Hi William. Is arsenic trioxide not available to do in England?

Pusaka · 8th April 2007, 05:06 PM

Harmful substances are heavily regulated in the UK, you might be able to find someone who will sell you some but it would be probably easer to import it.
I wonder what other substances could be used to etch keris, I think I recall reading that before the use of arsenic a concentrated citric acid from limes etc was heated and the keris blade was placed into the hot liquid to etch.

David · 8th April 2007, 06:02 PM

Arsenic trioxide is heavily regulated in the USA as well, but that doesn't mean there are not ways for the average citizen to obtain it if you put your mind to it.

It would seem to me it would be much easier to find a source within the UK than to try to import a heavily regulated substance into the country.
Limes are still a part of the staining process. It would be interesting to know when arsenic was first used, but it is my understanding that it goes back a ways, giving rise to the early stories that keris blades were poisoned.

Rick · 8th April 2007, 07:46 PM

One could always hunt up some realgar at a mineral shop or on ebay .....

Tim Simmons · 8th April 2007, 08:09 PM

Would gun black work? There is a gunsmith not far from were I live. I have a tombak I would quite like to stain now that I have cleaned it.

8th April 2007, 12:36 PM	#1
William.m Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: England Posts: 104	Pamor Staining in the UK? Hello all, I have a keris that is in dire need of getting its pamor back. Does anyone here know of anywhere that would stain my keris? I am looking for a place within the UK if possible. Thanks! William

8th April 2007, 04:50 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,123	Hi William. Is arsenic trioxide not available to do in England?

8th April 2007, 05:06 PM	#3
Pusaka Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 341	Harmful substances are heavily regulated in the UK, you might be able to find someone who will sell you some but it would be probably easer to import it. I wonder what other substances could be used to etch keris, I think I recall reading that before the use of arsenic a concentrated citric acid from limes etc was heated and the keris blade was placed into the hot liquid to etch.

8th April 2007, 06:02 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,123	Arsenic trioxide is heavily regulated in the USA as well, but that doesn't mean there are not ways for the average citizen to obtain it if you put your mind to it. It would seem to me it would be much easier to find a source within the UK than to try to import a heavily regulated substance into the country. Limes are still a part of the staining process. It would be interesting to know when arsenic was first used, but it is my understanding that it goes back a ways, giving rise to the early stories that keris blades were poisoned.

8th April 2007, 07:46 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	One could always hunt up some realgar at a mineral shop or on ebay .....

8th April 2007, 08:09 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Would gun black work? There is a gunsmith not far from were I live. I have a tombak I would quite like to stain now that I have cleaned it.