Restauration of Pamor

[mariusgmioc]

Recently, I aquired a Wedhung with quite a spectacular pamor. Unfortunately, the blade had some spots of active rust that had to be removed. I managed to remove nicely all traces of active rust, but I also washed out most of the pamor as well. I am quite adept at etching wootz blades, but noticed to my surprised that my technique doesn't work with the pamor.
Does anybody know a where I can I have the pamor restored?

[David]

The technique for staining blades is done with warangan (arsenic and lime). If you search the site you should find some instructions on this, though obtaining arsenic can be difficult for many. Some people use industrial grade arsenic which gives a fairly consistent result while many grind up the actual mineral for the process which can be less consistent, but might be easier to get your hands on.
There are people who do this as a service, but few outside of Indonesia. Where do you live?

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by David

The technique for staining blades is done with warangan (arsenic and lime). If you search the site you should find some instructions on this, though obtaining arsenic can be difficult for many. Some people use industrial grade arsenic which gives a fairly consistent result while many grind up the actual mineral for the process which can be less consistent, but might be easier to get your hands on.
There are people who do this as a service, but few outside of Indonesia. Where do you live?

Thank you very much for your reply!

I live in the Netherlands, and here only asking about arsenic can land you in hot water. So there is no way I can legally get it. However, I will travel next month to Indonesia, so if you know any place there would be quite helpful.

[David]

There are an awful lot of keris collectors (and keris) in The Netherlands. Perhaps there is someone there who does traditional warangan treatments.
I cannot tell you much about who can do this for you in Indonesia. Perhaps others can help you there.

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by David

There are an awful lot of keris collectors (and keris) in The Netherlands. Perhaps there is someone there who does traditional warangan treatments.
I cannot tell you much about who can do this for you in Indonesia. Perhaps others can help you there.

Thank you for trying!
I know a keris dealer here who might help.
In the worst case I will start experimenting myself with the chemicals I have.

[David]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

In the worst case I will start experimenting myself with the chemicals I have.

Well, as i state before, there is a bit of material in our archives on staining keris blades, including many suggestions on alternatives to using arsenic. Give a search and see what you find.