Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 25th April 2016, 11:31 PM

I had read somewhere that keris were measured using thumb width, but not sure of accuracy of that statement. I have little knowledge on the keris, but do know there is of course an enormous amount of superstition and religious elements at hand in their character. I have always understood the number of luk (waves) were auspicious and certain number might be unlucky.
Also the character of the pamor was key in determining the blade's effect toward the owner. I have always wondered if blades were custom made for clients or if the purchase of blades was purely happenstance and each blade had to be scrutinized for these features' compatibility to each owner.

Naturally the imported blade phenomenon had no effect on the keris in its cultural sphere(s) so that was not a factor in its matters.

Jens, I think you are right, in Indian context the blades were measured along the back of the blade profile. I doubt that European blade producers had any concept of the superstitious matters involved with foreign swords.
Blades were produced according to developing western technologies and much more involved with blades which could be used effectively in both cut and thrust.

25th April 2016, 11:31 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,137	I had read somewhere that keris were measured using thumb width, but not sure of accuracy of that statement. I have little knowledge on the keris, but do know there is of course an enormous amount of superstition and religious elements at hand in their character. I have always understood the number of luk (waves) were auspicious and certain number might be unlucky. Also the character of the pamor was key in determining the blade's effect toward the owner. I have always wondered if blades were custom made for clients or if the purchase of blades was purely happenstance and each blade had to be scrutinized for these features' compatibility to each owner. Naturally the imported blade phenomenon had no effect on the keris in its cultural sphere(s) so that was not a factor in its matters. Jens, I think you are right, in Indian context the blades were measured along the back of the blade profile. I doubt that European blade producers had any concept of the superstitious matters involved with foreign swords. Blades were produced according to developing western technologies and much more involved with blades which could be used effectively in both cut and thrust.