How to determine if blade has bloodstains??

Aurangzeb · 5th September 2005, 05:05 PM

Hello all!

I have a Sudanese dagger from the Mahdiest revolt that was almost certainly used, although worn it has no stains or much pitting. I don't think blood whould be let on that long to be let to leave a stain. If I remember my science teachers lecture on blood a black light should show it up but if it's been cleaned many times I don't think it will work. Just my two cents!

Mark...

Robert · 5th September 2005, 05:38 PM

A Philippine dagger with what looks like the same staining. I believe these stains were made by someone who wraped the knife for storage or shipping and the cloth or paper it was wrapped with got wet. After being this way for an extended period of time the pattern you see is the result. Leaving a blade in a wet leather scabbard for a long period of time can do the same because of the acids used in tanning the leather. IMHO Blood being left on a blade would have to stay damp without being washed away for quite a few days if not weeks or even longer to cause this type of staining to a blade.

Robert

5th September 2005, 05:38 PM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	A Philippine dagger with what looks like the same staining. I believe these stains were made by someone who wraped the knife for storage or shipping and the cloth or paper it was wrapped with got wet. After being this way for an extended period of time the pattern you see is the result. Leaving a blade in a wet leather scabbard for a long period of time can do the same because of the acids used in tanning the leather. IMHO Blood being left on a blade would have to stay damp without being washed away for quite a few days if not weeks or even longer to cause this type of staining to a blade. Robert Attached Images Last edited by Robert Coleman; 5th September 2005 at 09:22 PM.

5th September 2005, 05:05 PM	#1
Aurangzeb Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 306	Hello all! I have a Sudanese dagger from the Mahdiest revolt that was almost certainly used, although worn it has no stains or much pitting. I don't think blood whould be let on that long to be let to leave a stain. If I remember my science teachers lecture on blood a black light should show it up but if it's been cleaned many times I don't think it will work. Just my two cents! Mark...