1/2 + 1/2 makes 1?

Richard Furrer · 13th July 2012, 05:15 PM

I do not know as much about these blades as Alan, but it appears to be a rather standard lap weld. I have several old non-keris blades with the same type of weld.
I think it uncommon a manufacturing technique for keris, but not at all rare for blacksmith techniques in general.

I would think if the outer sides were left in place then the weld would not be at the consistent angle on the edge...it appears to be two pieces...not three with an uneven grind.

It could be
-two keris blades being saved and reworked into one
or
-making one blade from bits laying around

Ric

A. G. Maisey · 13th July 2012, 09:03 PM

Yes Richard, I agree that this does look like a standard, run-of-the-mill lap weld, but as with many of the comments I make in respect of keris, I am not giving my opinion on this blade simply from the appearance of the blade in the photo. I have seen a similar thing done a number of times before. In addition to what I have previously seen, the material that has been used for the sorsoran and gonjo of this blade is of remarkably poor quality:- it is not what we could expect to see used for a keris blade, but it is exactly what we could expect to see used as sacrificial material to protect a pattern weld. Still, without having the thing in my hand, it is difficult to be certain of anything.

sirek · 14th July 2012, 05:46 PM

Thank you gentlemen for your opinion, and explanations.

I share your opinion about the”craftsmanship” poor quality, but it was a strange appearance for me I had never seen before and now it's all a bit clearer to me.

Mr. Maisey I respect your opinion even if all based on a photograph displayed on a computer screen,

13th July 2012, 05:15 PM	#1
Richard Furrer Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Posts: 163	I do not know as much about these blades as Alan, but it appears to be a rather standard lap weld. I have several old non-keris blades with the same type of weld. I think it uncommon a manufacturing technique for keris, but not at all rare for blacksmith techniques in general. I would think if the outer sides were left in place then the weld would not be at the consistent angle on the edge...it appears to be two pieces...not three with an uneven grind. It could be -two keris blades being saved and reworked into one or -making one blade from bits laying around Ric

13th July 2012, 09:03 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,990	Yes Richard, I agree that this does look like a standard, run-of-the-mill lap weld, but as with many of the comments I make in respect of keris, I am not giving my opinion on this blade simply from the appearance of the blade in the photo. I have seen a similar thing done a number of times before. In addition to what I have previously seen, the material that has been used for the sorsoran and gonjo of this blade is of remarkably poor quality:- it is not what we could expect to see used for a keris blade, but it is exactly what we could expect to see used as sacrificial material to protect a pattern weld. Still, without having the thing in my hand, it is difficult to be certain of anything.

14th July 2012, 05:46 PM	#3
sirek Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 170	Thank you gentlemen for your opinion, and explanations. I share your opinion about the”craftsmanship” poor quality, but it was a strange appearance for me I had never seen before and now it's all a bit clearer to me. Mr. Maisey I respect your opinion even if all based on a photograph displayed on a computer screen,