Long Somali Sword For Comment

Tim Simmons · 24th August 2006, 09:53 PM

One has to be very careful about this zinc-aluminium thing. Some years ago I lost a very good kaskara because I was unaware of the use of zinc. Being badgered into believing the fittings were aluminium thus 20th cent, i let it go for peanuts. Once bitten twice shy. Dull it can look like aluminium, polished it can also pass as silver. So watch out!

katana · 24th August 2006, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

One has to be very careful about this zinc-aluminium thing. Some years ago I lost a very good kaskara because I was unaware of the use of zinc. Being badgered into believing the fittings were aluminium thus 20th cent, i let it go for peanuts. Once bitten twice shy. Dull it can look like aluminium, polished it can also pass as silver. So watch out!

Thanks Tim, sounds like good advice

katana · 24th August 2006, 11:07 PM

Been checking the properties of zinc.....

Stability and Reactivity Comments:
Zinc metal is normally coated with a protective layer of zinc carbonate, which forms in air in the presence of carbon dioxide and moisture, resulting in a low corrosion rate.

On that basis both the pommels could indeed be ..a higher purity of Zinc ..because of the protective layer preventing the interaction of iron/zinc.

It would seem that the sacrifical anode effect can only occur when both metals are immersed in water, this ...quite likely...prevents the carbonate layer forming....leaving the more reactive zinc exposed.
So I have to conclude that even in humid conditions, the zinc pommel would have a carbonate layer develop, preventing the interaction with the iron/steel.

My theory would only work if you constantly used it underwater........
now.....did the African's invent the aqua-lung

Lew · 24th August 2006, 11:16 PM

Good point unfortunately Solmalia is mostly desert

Unless these are used by Somali frogmen and these are their diving knives

Lew

katana · 24th August 2006, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

Unless these are used by Somali frogmen and these are their diving knives

Lew

Are you sure theres no water?..... they do 'SURF' the dunes......

ariel · 25th August 2006, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katana

Are you sure theres no water?..... they do 'SURF' the dunes......

Where is he hiding his Billao? Must be a really small one...

24th August 2006, 09:53 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,935	One has to be very careful about this zinc-aluminium thing. Some years ago I lost a very good kaskara because I was unaware of the use of zinc. Being badgered into believing the fittings were aluminium thus 20th cent, i let it go for peanuts. Once bitten twice shy. Dull it can look like aluminium, polished it can also pass as silver. So watch out!

24th August 2006, 11:07 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Been checking the properties of zinc..... Stability and Reactivity Comments: Zinc metal is normally coated with a protective layer of zinc carbonate, which forms in air in the presence of carbon dioxide and moisture, resulting in a low corrosion rate. On that basis both the pommels could indeed be ..a higher purity of Zinc ..because of the protective layer preventing the interaction of iron/zinc. It would seem that the sacrifical anode effect can only occur when both metals are immersed in water, this ...quite likely...prevents the carbonate layer forming....leaving the more reactive zinc exposed. So I have to conclude that even in humid conditions, the zinc pommel would have a carbonate layer develop, preventing the interaction with the iron/steel. My theory would only work if you constantly used it underwater........ now.....did the African's invent the aqua-lung

24th August 2006, 11:16 PM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Good point unfortunately Solmalia is mostly desert Unless these are used by Somali frogmen and these are their diving knives Lew