Question about oiling

[David]

Originally Posted by Pusaka

I think the advice of not using too much oil dates to the time in which mineral based oils were not used on keris blades. To my knowledge the oil base was coconut oil with essential oils added. The problem with this oil is that the coconut base can in time go rancid and encourage fungus to grow in the wooden sheath. The digestive enzymes released by the fungus can cause discolouration and damage to the wooden parts of the keris.

Good point and very possibly so.

Originally Posted by Pusaka

I think in ancient times oiling a keris was seen as feeding the blade, remember that many Indonesians believe keris have power.

I'm not Indonesian though i may well be ancient and i certainly consider oiling my keris to be a "feeding".

Originally Posted by Pusaka

I remember watching "The ring of fire" on dvd, a scene shot in Indonesia shows some court keris. When the blades have been washed people gather outside the court so that they can wash or even drink some of the water used. They believe that some of the power of the keris will be retained in the water even though it contains arsenic

Eek! indeed!!! I have been meaning to watch this DVD since it was so kindly loaned to me. Maybe i will give it a spin tonight.