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#1 |
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 124
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Hi all,
I just bought an old keris that shows much Wesi Malelo. What exactly is Wesi Malelo and how is it created? As I can see some "sparkling" effect on the blade, I guess it might have something to do with the crystalline structure of the iron used for this keris. Thanks and regards, Heinz |
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#2 |
Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 6,854
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Wesi (or besi) malela (or malelo) simply means black iron. It is a traditional way of describing it.Harsinuksmo lists several different types of wesi malela, but his descriptions I find a little confusing. He mentions that he took these descriptions from old texts and notes that these texts are difficult to understand.
I do not understand what you mean by "sparkling". Do you mean the seemingly amorphous , crystaline effect that appears to have little pale spots inside the iron, or do you mean something else? Is the texture of this iron open and porous, or is it padat, ie, tight grained and compacted with a smooth surface? |
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#3 |
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 124
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Hello Alan
Thank you for your response. I admit that "sparkling" is not the right word for what I want to say (my native language is German), but your description hits the spot! The texture of the iron appears porous/open rather than compact/smooth. The color is greyish. I do know that photos would be helpful here; unfortunately I still cannot post pictures ... Is Wesi Malelo a feature of old or very old keris, or can it be found on recent and new blades, too? Regards, Heinz |
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#4 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,287
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Malela can be found in newer keris also Heinz .
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#5 | |
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 285
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#6 |
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 124
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Hello Rick, thank you for the picture. Very beautiful keris; I like it a lot!
Hello Ferrilaki, the "sparkling" (somehow I feel that`s not the right word to describe it ...) in the sword comes quite close to the one in my keris. Pity I (still) cannot post pictures ... Thanks for yours! Regards, Heinz |
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#7 | |
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 285
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#8 | |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Kaboejoetan Galoenggoeng Mélben
Posts: 458
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The 'sparkling' effect may be due to etching, revealing either impurities or martensite formed during the forging heating/cooling process. Perhaps someone with a knowledge in metallurgy may care to elucidate. Best, |
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#9 |
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 124
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Perhaps I should have asked this question at the beginning: Is wesi malelo a pamor material, forged to a steel core, or does the entire blade consist of wesi malelo?
Heinz |
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#10 | |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Kaboejoetan Galoenggoeng Mélben
Posts: 458
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To me 'malela' merely means 'black steel', as opposed to 'tjoendiga' ('white steel') Best, |
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#11 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,287
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Such as this ?
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