About four years ago, a friend was buying items in Bali on yearly trips, then financing her trips by EBaying the items she brought back.....it was about this time that she brought back keris, similar to the one pictured (the fake), kanjars, and khoumiyas, all with blades made as described by Ian.
The blades appear to have been machine stamped, due to the rounded edges, and the "pamor" applied by painting molten metal onto the base blade.
Other "faux" materials seen were ebony, ivory and Onyx and even animal teeth.
As near as could be determined, I believe these disgustingly cheap fakes (seen up close, they are appalling) are being produced in Irianjaya, along with the brown/yellow mandaus, spears, axes and shields.
Ian, were the blades you examined even magnetic?
Several that I saw with the "artificial" pamor were apparently poured or stamped out of very cheap, non-magnetic pot metal.
Mike
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