Whats the perfect length....
 

....of a blade :D

How long is the perfect keris blade? Is it the length of the owners forearm, a particular number of the owners thumb lengths or is the perfect blade the length between the owner’s nipples..Ive heard it all.

Probably ALL are true within the context of the sources from which they come, the question would be what is the right method for YOU to determine perfection. There are even more methods then the 3 you mention so you can see how subjective this might actually be. Personally i just go with what feels right for me. Considering i am an cultural outsider it makes the most sense anyway. :)

When an Empu makes a keris he decides how long that blade should be. What is it that he takes that measurement from, how does he decide?

Subjective...
 

Imho, it's subjective...many factors affect the length of the 'perfect' keris blade. To me, it differs for each individual, a personal feel...

In the olden days, the form of the blade, the martial arts practiced and the physical size of the practitioner does influence what is deemed to be a perfect length. For the empu, the date/time of birth, occupation...etc which does influenced the end result.

Besides this, regional differences also affects the length of the blade. For example, in general, the sumatran blades are shorter than the javanese blades (of course there are exceptions and not considering the keris panjang). Therefore, this question would not get a single definitive length answer. :confused:

However, my personal preference based on silat form practised would be 12" - 13.5", Malay/Bugis blade form preferred. :D

Alam Shah makes some good points. When you ask this question you must ask more and be prepared to find no sure answers since much of this information has been lost to the ages. An empu from which region and from which period? The keris and it's traditions are not a static thing and Indonesia is culturally diverse inspite of now being one nation. There is no universal tradition for all empus throughout the ages.

Usually (Pakem) lenght of the keris (Jawanese keris) = 4 - 4,5 X lenght of the Gonjo (can be more for Madura and out of Jawanese keris). If under 4 X lenght of the Gonjo, its assumptioned that the blade has cutted or revisioned and out from limit of tolerance.

So, how long is the perfect keris blade ? cannot be used for standard.

Pusaka, if you are interested in reading about more of these methods pick up a copy of "The Keris and Other Malay Weapons", a compilation of writers put together by MBRAS. You can probably find it new in hardcover for about $15USD. There is an entire chapter in there on ideal keris measurements listing numerous examples from different cultures (Bugis, Brunei, etc.) often at odds with one another. An interesting read though. :)

Thanks nechesh I will keep an eye out for that book.

Here's a link to the books publishers:
http://www.mbras.org.my/reprints/R016.html
It might be out of print now but you may be able to get a reprint from them directly.
All and all and interesting book, but there is also much misleading info in there as well so take it as such. :)