My Maguindanao Kris

[kino]

Originally Posted by milandro

Thank you all!


The " cutting" line appears to go through the last hole too, but this may be completely vestigial (I will ad up a picture at some point). Certainly cannot figure how to detach it , and the hilt is firm in place. So, I'd go with a vestigial line.

I would refrain from taking it apart just to find out if has a separate ganya. It’s difficult to put it back together properly.

Have you tried pouring hot water on it, sometimes that would reveal the welding pattern on the blade and ganya. As an alternative, warm household vinegar.

Welding pattern will differ (in my experience), with the blade proper and ganya.

[kai]

I agree with Albert that reading the grain of the metal is the least intrusive approach to ascertain a separate katik/gangya (in most kris blades).

It's usually not necessary to fully clean the blade or even do a gentle polish (if only a window across the line). A gentle etch with hot water or some weak acid often enough does the trick. A good magnifying glass (10x loupe) is one of the best investments for avid collectors.

Regards,
Kai