Bringing out an oldy for comment

[Lew]

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

Interesting theory. Possible, but unlikely. Unless it is done before the ganja is inserted into the pesi (tang). The 'criss-cross' marks are only visible at the thickest section of the blade, which is about the thickness of a thick file. The 'kriss-cross' portion near the gandik, is less visible possibly due to the filework done while shaping the gandik area.

Alam Shah

If you look at the left side you will notice the marks appear at a high point just to the right of the Kembang kacang or Belalai Gajah. Do you think this was purposely done to provide a perch or a guide for proper for gripping the keris?

Lew

[Alam Shah]

Lew,

Attached are your pictures with some illustrations to aid in our discussion.
(I hope you don't mind). Just to clear some doubts I'm having.

If you don't mind, could you post a picture from the top of the cross-section, with the hilt and hilt cup removed? By the way, what is the thickness at the
thickest part of the blade?

[Lew]

Ther are marks on the other side of the blade I will take a shot of it when I get home tonight. Btw great graphic on the pics.


Lew

[kai]

Hello Lew,

Do you think this was purposely done to provide a perch or a guide for proper for gripping the keris?

I don't think so: The grip pretty much falls into place and is more used to direct the blade rather than holding it (as you know, the pushing is done with the center of the palm - not the fingers).

I'm wondering wether there was any forging done on the blade or just stock removal? (Must have been a pain to do from a fully hardened file!) Maybe a light etch would reveal more about the workmanship?

Could you please also post a close-up of the pesi? Thanks!

Regards,
Kai

[Lew]

closeups of both sides. Sorry Kai the hilt is on pretty tight so I am not going to chance damaging it by trying to remove it at this time.

Lew

[Rick]

Any sign of folding or pamor on this blade Lew ?

[Lew]

Originally Posted by Rick

Any sign of folding or pamor on this blade Lew ?

Rick

There are a few spots that may show some linear pamor but over all the look is a spongey iron appearance you would not see that characteristic if it was made from a file. The ganja shows some lamination but it may have been made from another piece of steel .

Lew

[Rick]

Why would the marks be on the keris if it did not start life as a file?
If that isn't a remnant of the cross grooves and points of a file then what could it be ?

A vise ?

Would the scenario proposed in my previous post be doable ?
I am no smith .

[Alam Shah]

Lew,

Thanks for the clearer picture.

The blade's diamond cross-section should extend all the way to the base of the blade. In this example, it seems that the thickness is not enough to form the base properly, which is approximately 1/2" or 1.5cm (it does vary).

This is how the base should look like for this type of blade.
(Example, courtesy of BluErf's gallery. )
http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_photo.php

From the first picture, there seems to be no sign of a temper.

Example of a 'visible' tempered blade, (courtesy of BluErf's). A two-toned finish.
http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_photo.php

Kind Regards,
Shahrial

[Rick]

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Lew,


I don't think so: The grip pretty much falls into place and is more used to direct the blade rather than holding it (as you know, the pushing is done with the center of the palm - not the fingers).

I'm wondering wether there was any forging done on the blade or just stock removal? (Must have been a pain to do from a fully hardened file!) Maybe a light etch would reveal more about the workmanship?

Could you please also post a close-up of the pesi? Thanks!

Regards,
Kai

Could the file have been anealed to soft ; then have been worked, carved and then retempered / hardened when finished ?