Amanremu

[A. G. Maisey]

Roland, have you considered the possibility that what we are looking at here is a blade with a steel core and an iron body?

The transition between the two types of ferric material will show just such a differentiation in colour.

[Roland_M]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Roland, have you considered the possibility that what we are looking at here is a blade with a steel core and an iron body?

The transition between the two types of ferric material will show just such a differentiation in colour.

Alan, good question. I'm 100% sure, that we dont see an inserted cutting edge. The transition area between iron and steel would look different. Not so wide, not so even and sharper. If the back would be Iron, the result after staining would look very different to this, since Iron is much more resitant against the etchant than steel.

Until now I dont have better pictures of the temper lines because it is fresh and unfinished work.

I already read about the multistage tempering in my literature as an invention of the Ottomans. The receipe of this special heat treatment seems to has been lost in the last 150 years, perhaps it was kept as a secret.


Roland

[Machetero]

Hello. I'm a longtime member, but I haven't commented in years.
First of all, lovely Amanremu. Love the rare silver tips on the prongs. Love the very fine blade. I great addition to any collection!

I am curious about the horsehair tuft. I own a Sikin with a similar tuft of coarse equestrian hair sticking out from between the end prongs (the crocodile mouth). I think I have seen it one other time on some other sword, but don't remember where. So what do you all think is the significance of the hair, who put it there?

Would be great to hear some insight or just theories.

/Odd

[Roland_M]

Originally Posted by Machetero

So what do you all think is the significance of the hair, who put it there?

Hello Machetero,

the hair seems to belong original to the sword. The hair tuft is braided and fitted exactly in the hilt.

It could be a sign for a Chieftain or another VIP. This blade is definitely far to good for an ordinary warrior. Or it could be made to deviate and consternate the enemy as on Chinese and other blades. The human eye is programmed to follow movements. The effect is probably not to intense but 5% less of the enemys concentration are 5%.

Finally sometimes such a hair tuft is a simple blood stopper, especially on lanceheads, but clearly not in this case.


Roland

[Machetero]

Thanks Roland.
That seems like solid reasons the horse hair tuft. I am leaning towards some tribal meaning, or as you say a sign of excellence somehow.
I'll try to get a photo of the Sikin, if you wanna see it.

/Odd

[Sajen]

Hi Roland,

again, it's a real beauty! I've handled the sword before so I can confirm that the hair tuft seems original to this sword, here is another North Sumatra sword with hair tuft, also this one I've handled and think that the hair tuft is also original to it: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=22732
but not so nicely attached. Kai has recommended to remove the hair tuft but fortunately Thomas hasn't followed this advice!
I am curious to see the sikin from Machetero, it would be the third sword from North Sumatra with a hair tuft attached to the handle. Only because we haven't seen this feature before in books or somewhere else it don't mean that it can't be original.
When you ever want to part with this beauty you know who you can ask first!

Best,
Detlef

[Roland_M]

Originally Posted by Machetero

Thanks Roland.
That seems like solid reasons the horse hair tuft. I am leaning towards some tribal meaning, or as you say a sign of excellence somehow.
I'll try to get a photo of the Sikin, if you wanna see it.

/Odd

Hi Machatero,

yes I'm very intersted to see yor Sikin!
I also have a so called Sikin Pasangan with a huge curved blade. According to Volz it is a Peudeung Pasangan. It also got a pretty nice temperline but not as sophisticated as on the Amanremu or Palasword.


Roland

[Machetero]

Here are a few pics of my Sikin, with the hair and all. The last picture shows a curious number stamped into the blade spine. What it means, I suppose I will never know. Perhaps just a collectors cataloging number. Perhaps something more exciting. I hope to see more of these hair tufts on Northern Sumatra swords, it is invigorating to stumble upon something which at first just seems like an anomaly, and then proves to be something more.
/Odd

[A. G. Maisey]

Thank you Roland.

I cannot comment further on the basis of photographs.