Crucible steel in Malela keris

[Tatyana Dianova]

I have a Palembang Keris which has a Wootz blade, made most probably from an imported Indian ingot. The Wootz pattern is unmistakable and it is similar to Indian Katar blades. There is even a characteristic crack, a technological feature originating from Wootz ingot structure.
Wrangan doesn't bring out a Wootz pattern according to a person who makes Warangi on a regular basis. Maybe this a reason why we see Keris with Wootz pattern so seldom.