Need help with a tulwar

TVV · 22nd September 2008, 08:26 PM

I was attracted to this tulwar because of its narrow and very curved blade and I was able to get for a fairly low price.
I believe the blade is wootz. I am currently trying to bring out the pattern and going very slowly and carefully, using only diluted vinegar. My first questions is, should I try to polish the blade with very fine sandpaper, such as 1500+?
Also, I believe this tulwar has lost its original pommel, which has been rplaced by a rather heavy piece of steel. It looks out of place and ruins the balance of the sword, so I assume it must be a recent repair. I am therefore thinking of replacing the hilt. From what I have read, disattaching the hilt is possible by heating it. However, would the heating damage the wootz pattern in the base of the blade? Also, what can I use for reattaching the hilt? Could the old resins be reused, or should I try with epoxy?
Finally, I would be happy to get some comments on the tulwar itself, and perhaps place it to a certain area in India based on the hilt and the style of the blade.

Thank you all for your interest and replies,

Teodor

Tim Simmons · 22nd September 2008, 08:33 PM

Batak sword? with add ons

Atlantia · 22nd September 2008, 08:39 PM

Hi Teodor,

The handle appears to be exactly the same as is on my pair of tulwars discussed here.
Rather solid, nice quality bronze/brass I can take some closeups of the top if you want to see it clearer.

Nice sword BTW, looks like a very fine blade.

Regards
Gene

ward · 22nd September 2008, 08:40 PM

heat the handle not the blade will be fine. then smack the handle with a 2x4 will come right off

TVV · 22nd September 2008, 08:59 PM

Thank you for the responses.

Gene, I agree with you, the hilts on your tulwars are identical to the hilt on mine. Could you please take a photo and measurements of the pommel, so that I can try to use it in case I decide to have someone replicate it?

Thank you,

Teodor

ward · 22nd September 2008, 09:09 PM

It will be cheaper and easier to replace the handle.It is not a good enough handle to bother to restore it. Handles were routinely changed out so no greet loose.

TVV · 22nd September 2008, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

It will be cheaper and easier to replace the handle.It is not a good enough handle to bother to restore it. Handles were routinely changed out so no greet loose.

Thank you for your advice - I agree with you fully. I will leave it as is until I find a suitable handle for the replacement.

Atlantia · 22nd September 2008, 10:11 PM

22nd September 2008, 08:26 PM	#1
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,624	Need help with a tulwar I was attracted to this tulwar because of its narrow and very curved blade and I was able to get for a fairly low price. I believe the blade is wootz. I am currently trying to bring out the pattern and going very slowly and carefully, using only diluted vinegar. My first questions is, should I try to polish the blade with very fine sandpaper, such as 1500+? Also, I believe this tulwar has lost its original pommel, which has been rplaced by a rather heavy piece of steel. It looks out of place and ruins the balance of the sword, so I assume it must be a recent repair. I am therefore thinking of replacing the hilt. From what I have read, disattaching the hilt is possible by heating it. However, would the heating damage the wootz pattern in the base of the blade? Also, what can I use for reattaching the hilt? Could the old resins be reused, or should I try with epoxy? Finally, I would be happy to get some comments on the tulwar itself, and perhaps place it to a certain area in India based on the hilt and the style of the blade. Thank you all for your interest and replies, Teodor Attached Images

22nd September 2008, 08:40 PM	#4
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	heat the handle not the blade will be fine. then smack the handle with a 2x4 will come right off Last edited by ward; 22nd September 2008 at 11:58 PM.

22nd September 2008, 08:33 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Batak sword? with add ons

22nd September 2008, 08:39 PM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Hi Teodor, The handle appears to be exactly the same as is on my pair of tulwars discussed here. Rather solid, nice quality bronze/brass I can take some closeups of the top if you want to see it clearer. Nice sword BTW, looks like a very fine blade. Regards Gene

22nd September 2008, 08:59 PM	#5
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,624	Thank you for the responses. Gene, I agree with you, the hilts on your tulwars are identical to the hilt on mine. Could you please take a photo and measurements of the pommel, so that I can try to use it in case I decide to have someone replicate it? Thank you, Teodor

22nd September 2008, 09:09 PM	#6
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	It will be cheaper and easier to replace the handle.It is not a good enough handle to bother to restore it. Handles were routinely changed out so no greet loose.

22nd September 2008, 10:11 PM	#8
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928