Khanda / Hindu Basket Hilt - RUST under grip

John Hsiya · 28th January 2023, 05:51 AM

Hello,

I am in process of preserving a basket-hilted firangi tulwar. It has what I assume to be its original padding and grip (which is some sort of coated fibrous weave).

There appears to be active rust around and likely under the grip.

I fear the only true way to arrest the spread of it is by carefully creating an incision on the grip and temporarily removing it. I would like to avoid this if possible.

I know it's a long shot, but I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions which would avoid me having to choose between hurting the grip or just leaving the metal to rot.

Thanks & Best Regards,
John

SidJ · 28th January 2023, 06:26 PM

I would say that fabric grip is equally if not more deserving of protection and conservation given they perish. A professional conservator would be best as they might know how to preserve both rather than damaging one massively.

Jim McDougall · 28th January 2023, 09:01 PM

This in beyond remarkable to find one of these that seems to have been static in some location for many years, if not generations. Absolutely all the material deserves to be conserved as it is great for the opportunity to keep it original.
If I may, one of the most skilled conservators of edged weapons in my opinion is Philip Tom, who writes here on occasion.
I would suggest reaching out to him if he does not see this.

Please keep us posted on the outcome with this!!!

werecow · 29th January 2023, 12:41 AM

Yeah, if you get an answer and it's not through here, please share it if you can!

Ren Ren · 29th January 2023, 06:08 AM

An aqueous solution of tannin helped me in a similar situation. I needed to stop the corrosion of the steel and not damage the wood. The active brown rust turned into passive black rust and I'm happy with my result. But of course my experience is amateur, not professional.

John Hsiya · 29th January 2023, 08:28 AM

Thank you everyone for all the input so far!

I completely agree with the importance of preserving the grip as much as possible. It's actually the main thing that drew me to the sword & I'll be darned if I fail as its custodian.

I will most certainly keep everyone updated.

28th January 2023, 05:51 AM	#1
John Hsiya Member Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: United States Posts: 3	Khanda / Hindu Basket Hilt - RUST under grip Hello, I am in process of preserving a basket-hilted firangi tulwar. It has what I assume to be its original padding and grip (which is some sort of coated fibrous weave). There appears to be active rust around and likely under the grip. I fear the only true way to arrest the spread of it is by carefully creating an incision on the grip and temporarily removing it. I would like to avoid this if possible. I know it's a long shot, but I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions which would avoid me having to choose between hurting the grip or just leaving the metal to rot. Thanks & Best Regards, John Attached Images

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28th January 2023, 06:26 PM	#2
SidJ Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 233	I would say that fabric grip is equally if not more deserving of protection and conservation given they perish. A professional conservator would be best as they might know how to preserve both rather than damaging one massively.

28th January 2023, 09:01 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	This in beyond remarkable to find one of these that seems to have been static in some location for many years, if not generations. Absolutely all the material deserves to be conserved as it is great for the opportunity to keep it original. If I may, one of the most skilled conservators of edged weapons in my opinion is Philip Tom, who writes here on occasion. I would suggest reaching out to him if he does not see this. Please keep us posted on the outcome with this!!!

29th January 2023, 12:41 AM	#4
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 617	Yeah, if you get an answer and it's not through here, please share it if you can!

29th January 2023, 06:08 AM	#5
Ren Ren Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 379	An aqueous solution of tannin helped me in a similar situation. I needed to stop the corrosion of the steel and not damage the wood. The active brown rust turned into passive black rust and I'm happy with my result. But of course my experience is amateur, not professional.

29th January 2023, 08:28 AM	#6
John Hsiya Member Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: United States Posts: 3	Thank you everyone for all the input so far! I completely agree with the importance of preserving the grip as much as possible. It's actually the main thing that drew me to the sword & I'll be darned if I fail as its custodian. I will most certainly keep everyone updated.