Another of My Kerises

dbhmgb · 17th April 2012, 11:55 PM

Hello again. I am posting them one by one for comment. This one I know little about other than it may be fairly old due to the wear from many ritual cleaning. I like the hilt, is it just normal Javanese?

Thanks!

kai · 18th April 2012, 09:54 AM

Hello Dan,

The hilt style is Madurese but the carving is very rough for Madura standards - possibly village work and a genuine combo.

I believe the blade needs staining before we can give detailed comments.

Regards,
Kai

Jean · 18th April 2012, 09:57 AM

Hi,
Agree with Kai, the hilt is just a poor quality and probably recent Madurese piece IMO, you can notice the rough carving.

Regards

Henk · 18th April 2012, 11:21 AM

This is a keris from Madura. The whole piece has some age. The ukiran is a recent replacement. Replace the replacement for a good maduran ukiran, stain the blade and give the sheath and the mendak a polish and you have a fine madurese keris.

dbhmgb · 18th April 2012, 12:20 PM

I have some concerns about staining the blade as it very thin in spots.

Sajen · 18th April 2012, 02:04 PM

Sorry, I doubt that this blade will show after staining a good visible pamor since the blade have had to much corrosion.
like the others I have to say that the hilt is a cheaply worked recent one, not worth to keep.
There are a lot of much better Madura keris offered everywhere so I think that the complete ensemble is not a "keeper".
Sorry Dan, but I think that a open word regarding this keris is much more helpful for you.

Best regards,

Detlef

dbhmgb · 18th April 2012, 03:16 PM

Sorry, it is a "keeper" to me. I happen to like this keris for several reasons. This is a keris with it's own history and character that I can appreciate. Perhaps I am a home to unwanted kerises? If so, I am proud of that.

Rick · 18th April 2012, 04:09 PM

Always buy the best that you can afford .

Buy the keris; not the 'story' .

Quality is always better than quantity .

Jean · 18th April 2012, 04:23 PM

Hi Dan,
I can fully understand that you like the blade & sheath of your kris in their original condition because of their age and history, but no way for the hilt!
I attach a picture of a Madurese hilt which your piece is suppose to copy and expect that you can notice the difference in craftsmanship.

Regards

Greybeard · 18th April 2012, 04:42 PM

Hi Dan, I really appreciate you for giving those seemingly "unwanted" kerises a home. They certainly deserve it! My suggestion: Just clean the blade from any rust and -- if you can -- replace the hilt with a better Maduranese one (as suggested by Jean). And then enjoy and love this old piece! Regards, Heinz

Sajen · 18th April 2012, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbhmgb

Sorry, it is a "keeper" to me. I happen to like this keris for several reasons. This is a keris with it's own history and character that I can appreciate. Perhaps I am a home to unwanted kerises? If so, I am proud of that.

You don't need to say sorry, when you like it, keep it.

This keris was rehilted since the blade and sheath are old but the hilt is much more recent and really unskilled worked.

A second point: The keris itself coming from a high culture and need care. Repairing the broken wrongko, polishing the wood and the pendok and changing the hilt would be the minimum what i would do with this keris when I like it. I have collected several keris in Indonesia and ebay as well which has been in a pitiful state. The most of my keris are not worked from high skilled empus or pande but I have tried to bring them in a status which is worth to keep them for coming generations.

Look for example to this keris. I have bought it years ago for very low money in Indonesia. It was in a very similar state as your keris. The blade have had corrosion, the sheath was in a real poor condition and the hilt was a similar one you have at your keris. The blade was cleaned and have get a new stain, the sheath (the break repair was before) have get some care (the worm holes in the back was filled with wood filler and it has get a polish with some coats of shellack), the mendak and hilt was replaced by better ones. Now, also when it is not a keris of high level, it is one which have a cultural worth (IMHO).
When I have written before that your keris isn't a "keeper" it was based upon the fact that I have the opinion that you and nobody else will be able to bring the blade alive. And the blade is the heart of every keris.

And at last, I only can second the words from Rick, very wise words.

Sorry for the poor pictures, have taken them just in the moment to show you what I mean.

Regards,

Detlef

dbhmgb · 18th April 2012, 07:45 PM

Thanks Detlef and all the others who have posted.

Here is the story. Early on, I bought this keris, and one other, that are in terrible shape - I paid practically nothing for them and they were local so there was no exorbitant shipping costs from Indonesia.

At this point, with my limited funds, I'd probably rather use the money to buy better examples of kerises, with knowledge I am gaining and guidance from folks who know what they are doing.

I can appreciate that the posters here are trying to protect the newbie and I welcome that.

Thanks again!

-------------

Detlef - thanks for the pictures - that is really a fine keris. My problem is that I don't even know where to buy parts. Some parts that I have seen are extremely expensive - and then shipping is ridiculous! Also, I am still a bit unsure about doing the cleaning and staining of a wilah.

dbhmgb · 18th April 2012, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greybeard

Hi Dan, I really appreciate you for giving those seemingly "unwanted" kerises a home. They certainly deserve it! My suggestion: Just clean the blade from any rust and -- if you can -- replace the hilt with a better Maduranese one (as suggested by Jean). And then enjoy and love this old piece! Regards, Heinz

Thanks Heinz. To let you know, these picture are older and since I took them I cleaned the blade a bit with lime juice and then oiled it quite liberally.

Greybeard · 18th April 2012, 08:16 PM

Hi Dan, fine that you cleaned your blade from that rust; this was my most concern about your keris. Regarding the hilt, if you really like it just keep it, because you are the only one who needs to like it -- nobody else!

dbhmgb · 18th April 2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greybeard

Hi Dan, fine that you cleaned your blade from that rust; this was my most concern about your keris. Regarding the hilt, if you really like it just keep it, because you are the only one who needs to like it -- nobody else!

Very true! I have no friends or family that care about my collection - their eyes glaze over if I mention "keris".

My grandson is still under one year old - I'm hoping to hook him when he gets older!

Greybeard · 18th April 2012, 09:18 PM

Dan, we are in the same situation. Nobody cares about my "great" keris collection except myself. And I'm an older man. I still hope that I can hook my son one day ...

Sajen · 18th April 2012, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greybeard

Dan, we are in the same situation. Nobody cares about my "great" keris collection except myself. And I'm an older man. I still hope that I can hook my son one day ...

Oh, I think with this problem you both not alone!

Rick · 18th April 2012, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbhmgb

Very true! I have no friends or family that care about my collection - their eyes glaze over if I mention "keris".

You too ?!?

Welcome to the boat .

Henk · 18th April 2012, 10:57 PM

Blub....Blub..... Can i join this sailing party??

dbhmgb · 18th April 2012, 11:29 PM

I guess that's why we end up here!

Henk · 19th April 2012, 09:56 AM

Staining this keris if done properly won't harm the blade. This keris would be certainly for me a keeper. I would clean it to bring back its well deserved glory.

You don't know where to buy parts? Try ebay and search worldwide. I just took a look and saw some nice madurese ukirans that would do justice to this old fellow. Yes, an ivory ukiran is expensive but a well carved wooden one would do the job.

dbhmgb · 19th April 2012, 02:29 PM

"I would clean it to bring back its well deserved glory."

Now, there is a phrase I can understand! I can now see the point, as long as it does no further damage.

Now this has triggered several newbie questions...

I am not sure of the difference between cleaning and staining, or how to stain.

Another question I've had is about the juice used in cleaning. For small jobs I just used a lime, but if you need a quantity of juice for soaking (lime, lemon, pineapple) what is used? Most quantities of juice that I can find are sweetened, is that acceptable?

Thanks!

Dan

dbhmgb · 19th April 2012, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

Hi Dan,
I can fully understand that you like the blade & sheath of your kris in their original condition because of their age and history, but no way for the hilt!
I attach a picture of a Madurese hilt which your piece is suppose to copy and expect that you can notice the difference in craftsmanship.

Regards

Jean,

Yes, I can see a HUGE difference! I was looking on-line. I see the Madurese hilts as very ornate. Is this the trait of the hilts from this locale?

Thanks!

EDIT: Madurese Hilt Thread - I found my answer!

Sajen · 19th April 2012, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbhmgb

I am not sure of the difference between cleaning and staining, or how to stain.

Another question I've had is about the juice used in cleaning. For small jobs I just used a lime, but if you need a quantity of juice for soaking (lime, lemon, pineapple) what is used? Most quantities of juice that I can find are sweetened, is that acceptable?

Thanks!

Dan

Search in the forum, there are threads where it is exactly explained how a blade will be stained. Indonesia: warangan.

I use for cleaning lemon acid which you can buy in the supermarked, need a little bit watching since it is aggressive. But this process is explained as well not so long ago. Take your time and read. I don't would use sweetened juice.

Regards,

Detlef

Sajen · 19th April 2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbhmgb

EDIT: Madurese Hilt Thread - I found my answer!

This is only one form of Madurese hilts, there are a lot of others. But Madura hilts are normally masterpieces of carving.

Henk · 19th April 2012, 05:05 PM

Cleaning of a blade can be done with a fresh lemon or lime. It takes some time. With a rusty blade i brush the blade with the fresh lemon or lime. Put the piece of lemon on the rusty spot and pack the whole thing in plastic and let it rest for some time. The unpack it and scrub again with the lemon until the rust is gone. Staining is done with warangan like Detlef said. Search for it on this forum.

The hilts you found are indeed a form of madura hilts.

This link shows other maduran ukirans.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=madura

David · 19th April 2012, 05:28 PM

Personally i use pineapple juice because it is less aggressive than lemon or lime acid. With this blade, less aggressive might be a good idea.

dbhmgb · 19th April 2012, 05:56 PM

I figured it required warangan. Arsenic is something I have no access to, and using it is not something I would attempt.

I will attempt a soaking in pineapple juice as David suggests.

I really appreciate all the feedback, thank you all!

Greybeard · 19th April 2012, 06:03 PM

Hi Dan, I use to clean my blades with diluted vinegar -- not a traditional method, I know. But for me it works very fine for many years ...

dbhmgb · 19th April 2012, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greybeard

Hi Dan, I use to clean my blades with diluted vinegar -- not a traditional method, I know. But for me it works very fine for many years ...

How much do you dilute it?

17th April 2012, 11:55 PM	#1
dbhmgb Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 112	Another of My Kerises Hello again. I am posting them one by one for comment. This one I know little about other than it may be fairly old due to the wear from many ritual cleaning. I like the hilt, is it just normal Javanese? Thanks! Attached Images Last edited by Rick; 18th April 2012 at 04:06 PM.

18th April 2012, 04:23 PM	#9
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Hi Dan, I can fully understand that you like the blade & sheath of your kris in their original condition because of their age and history, but no way for the hilt! I attach a picture of a Madurese hilt which your piece is suppose to copy and expect that you can notice the difference in craftsmanship. Regards Attached Images

18th April 2012, 07:45 PM	#12
dbhmgb Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 112	Thanks Detlef and all the others who have posted. Here is the story. Early on, I bought this keris, and one other, that are in terrible shape - I paid practically nothing for them and they were local so there was no exorbitant shipping costs from Indonesia. At this point, with my limited funds, I'd probably rather use the money to buy better examples of kerises, with knowledge I am gaining and guidance from folks who know what they are doing. I can appreciate that the posters here are trying to protect the newbie and I welcome that. Thanks again! ------------- Detlef - thanks for the pictures - that is really a fine keris. My problem is that I don't even know where to buy parts. Some parts that I have seen are extremely expensive - and then shipping is ridiculous! Also, I am still a bit unsure about doing the cleaning and staining of a wilah. Last edited by dbhmgb; 18th April 2012 at 08:00 PM.

18th April 2012, 09:54 AM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Hello Dan, The hilt style is Madurese but the carving is very rough for Madura standards - possibly village work and a genuine combo. I believe the blade needs staining before we can give detailed comments. Regards, Kai

18th April 2012, 09:57 AM	#3
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Hi, Agree with Kai, the hilt is just a poor quality and probably recent Madurese piece IMO, you can notice the rough carving. Regards

18th April 2012, 11:21 AM	#4
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	This is a keris from Madura. The whole piece has some age. The ukiran is a recent replacement. Replace the replacement for a good maduran ukiran, stain the blade and give the sheath and the mendak a polish and you have a fine madurese keris.

18th April 2012, 12:20 PM	#5
dbhmgb Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 112	I have some concerns about staining the blade as it very thin in spots.

18th April 2012, 02:04 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,786	Sorry, I doubt that this blade will show after staining a good visible pamor since the blade have had to much corrosion. like the others I have to say that the hilt is a cheaply worked recent one, not worth to keep. There are a lot of much better Madura keris offered everywhere so I think that the complete ensemble is not a "keeper". Sorry Dan, but I think that a open word regarding this keris is much more helpful for you. Best regards, Detlef

18th April 2012, 03:16 PM	#7
dbhmgb Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 112	Sorry, it is a "keeper" to me. I happen to like this keris for several reasons. This is a keris with it's own history and character that I can appreciate. Perhaps I am a home to unwanted kerises? If so, I am proud of that.

18th April 2012, 04:09 PM	#8
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	Always buy the best that you can afford . Buy the keris; not the 'story' . Quality is always better than quantity .

18th April 2012, 04:42 PM	#10
Greybeard Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Switzerland Posts: 124	Hi Dan, I really appreciate you for giving those seemingly "unwanted" kerises a home. They certainly deserve it! My suggestion: Just clean the blade from any rust and -- if you can -- replace the hilt with a better Maduranese one (as suggested by Jean). And then enjoy and love this old piece! Regards, Heinz

18th April 2012, 08:16 PM	#14
Greybeard Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Switzerland Posts: 124	Hi Dan, fine that you cleaned your blade from that rust; this was my most concern about your keris. Regarding the hilt, if you really like it just keep it, because you are the only one who needs to like it -- nobody else!

18th April 2012, 09:18 PM	#16
Greybeard Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Switzerland Posts: 124	Dan, we are in the same situation. Nobody cares about my "great" keris collection except myself. And I'm an older man. I still hope that I can hook my son one day ...

18th April 2012, 10:57 PM	#19
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Blub....Blub..... Can i join this sailing party??

18th April 2012, 11:29 PM	#20
dbhmgb Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 112	I guess that's why we end up here!

19th April 2012, 09:56 AM	#21
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Staining this keris if done properly won't harm the blade. This keris would be certainly for me a keeper. I would clean it to bring back its well deserved glory. You don't know where to buy parts? Try ebay and search worldwide. I just took a look and saw some nice madurese ukirans that would do justice to this old fellow. Yes, an ivory ukiran is expensive but a well carved wooden one would do the job.

19th April 2012, 02:29 PM	#22
dbhmgb Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 112	"I would clean it to bring back its well deserved glory." Now, there is a phrase I can understand! I can now see the point, as long as it does no further damage. Now this has triggered several newbie questions... I am not sure of the difference between cleaning and staining, or how to stain. Another question I've had is about the juice used in cleaning. For small jobs I just used a lime, but if you need a quantity of juice for soaking (lime, lemon, pineapple) what is used? Most quantities of juice that I can find are sweetened, is that acceptable? Thanks! Dan

19th April 2012, 05:05 PM	#26
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Cleaning of a blade can be done with a fresh lemon or lime. It takes some time. With a rusty blade i brush the blade with the fresh lemon or lime. Put the piece of lemon on the rusty spot and pack the whole thing in plastic and let it rest for some time. The unpack it and scrub again with the lemon until the rust is gone. Staining is done with warangan like Detlef said. Search for it on this forum. The hilts you found are indeed a form of madura hilts. This link shows other maduran ukirans. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=madura

19th April 2012, 05:28 PM	#27
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,127	Personally i use pineapple juice because it is less aggressive than lemon or lime acid. With this blade, less aggressive might be a good idea.

19th April 2012, 05:56 PM	#28
dbhmgb Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 112	I figured it required warangan. Arsenic is something I have no access to, and using it is not something I would attempt. I will attempt a soaking in pineapple juice as David suggests. I really appreciate all the feedback, thank you all!

19th April 2012, 06:03 PM	#29
Greybeard Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Switzerland Posts: 124	Hi Dan, I use to clean my blades with diluted vinegar -- not a traditional method, I know. But for me it works very fine for many years ...