My first Moro Kris stain attempt

Bill M · 3rd October 2006, 12:38 AM

The blade did not really look all that good after I finished polishing it, but some interesting patterns appeared when I wiped it with a mixture of vinegar and PCB (ciruit borad etchant).

Not so sure I like the colors, but some interesting patterns. What can I do to make this better?

Rick · 3rd October 2006, 12:45 AM

Hi Bill,

My personal opinion is that you should not mix two etchants together .
I have a suspicion that the blade you're working on might be monosteel .

Gt Obach · 3rd October 2006, 12:54 AM

i remember that awhile back there was a post on renew the pattern on these blades.... I believe it was something with arsenic trioxide and lime juice......
-- think thats the more traditional way?

I agree with Ric.... don't mix the acids..... acetic and ferric chloride may make it muddy... just the acetic should be fine and it may take abit....since it's a very weak acid... .

also... can you remove the handle..... don't want any acid on that...
& don't forget to neutralize it
- positively degrease it before any attempt at an etch...
- also... full emersion of blade in etchant is the best... ( at least from my experience )

take care
Greg

David · 3rd October 2006, 02:19 AM

Hi Greg. Arsenic and lime (warangan) is the traditional manner of staining Indonesian keris. It is not used, AFAIK to bring out patterns in Moro kris (it is not a fast rule, but the tendency on this forum is the spelling keris=Indonesian/kris=Moro).
Handles can be removed from Moro kris, but it is much more involved than it is with the Indo keris. Personally i would wrap plastic wrap really tightly around the hilt before working. Brushing on warm vinegar is pretty effective on kris. It is slow acting and easy to control. If you keep the vinegar moving you can get good, even results.
Full imersion is a good way to go, but not really necessary. I have also stained Indo keris with warangan and i use the brush method using a soft toothbrush. I have gotten very good results.
Your advice that the blades be degreased first and neutralized after is excellent advice indeed.

kai · 3rd October 2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Brushing on warm vinegar is pretty effective on kris. It is slow acting and easy to control. If you keep the vinegar moving you can get good, even results.
Full imersion is a good way to go, but not really necessary.

Yes. If the etching is not strong enough to your tastes, ramp up the temperature (vinegar and blade) first - that's usually sufficient for good results.

Regards,
Kai

Bill M · 3rd October 2006, 11:42 AM

Will see about getting the stain I just put on removed. Should I try polishing? Or something else that will chemically remove it?

As I am cleaning and polishing the blade it seems as if the kris enjoys this attention. Weird, huh?

Also likes, especially, to be stroked from the hilt to the tip. I have heard other people tell me thsi is the proper way to polish a kris, and it really seems right.

It is a similar feeling I get when petting my dogs. Feels good to me and feels good to them.

Well, I will gte on thos later. Got to get to work, now.

Thanks for the help. Will share smome more pictures tonight.

kai · 3rd October 2006, 11:20 AM

Quote:

My personal opinion is that you should not mix two etchants together .

Yup, vinegar is sufficient for most kris. Fruit acids (undiluted natural juice) like lime or ananas also work but seem to result in warmer colored etching.

Quote:

I have a suspicion that the blade you're working on might be monosteel .

Seems pattern welded to me (no contrasting pamor material, of course).

Regards,
Kai

3rd October 2006, 12:38 AM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	My first Moro Kris stain attempt The blade did not really look all that good after I finished polishing it, but some interesting patterns appeared when I wiped it with a mixture of vinegar and PCB (ciruit borad etchant). Not so sure I like the colors, but some interesting patterns. What can I do to make this better? Attached Images

3rd October 2006, 12:45 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,287	Hi Bill, My personal opinion is that you should not mix two etchants together . I have a suspicion that the blade you're working on might be monosteel .

3rd October 2006, 12:54 AM	#3
Gt Obach Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 116	i remember that awhile back there was a post on renew the pattern on these blades.... I believe it was something with arsenic trioxide and lime juice...... -- think thats the more traditional way? I agree with Ric.... don't mix the acids..... acetic and ferric chloride may make it muddy... just the acetic should be fine and it may take abit....since it's a very weak acid... . also... can you remove the handle..... don't want any acid on that... & don't forget to neutralize it - positively degrease it before any attempt at an etch... - also... full emersion of blade in etchant is the best... ( at least from my experience ) take care Greg

3rd October 2006, 02:19 AM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,098	Hi Greg. Arsenic and lime (warangan) is the traditional manner of staining Indonesian keris. It is not used, AFAIK to bring out patterns in Moro kris (it is not a fast rule, but the tendency on this forum is the spelling keris=Indonesian/kris=Moro). Handles can be removed from Moro kris, but it is much more involved than it is with the Indo keris. Personally i would wrap plastic wrap really tightly around the hilt before working. Brushing on warm vinegar is pretty effective on kris. It is slow acting and easy to control. If you keep the vinegar moving you can get good, even results. Full imersion is a good way to go, but not really necessary. I have also stained Indo keris with warangan and i use the brush method using a soft toothbrush. I have gotten very good results. Your advice that the blades be degreased first and neutralized after is excellent advice indeed.

3rd October 2006, 11:42 AM	#6
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Will see about getting the stain I just put on removed. Should I try polishing? Or something else that will chemically remove it? As I am cleaning and polishing the blade it seems as if the kris enjoys this attention. Weird, huh? Also likes, especially, to be stroked from the hilt to the tip. I have heard other people tell me thsi is the proper way to polish a kris, and it really seems right. It is a similar feeling I get when petting my dogs. Feels good to me and feels good to them. Well, I will gte on thos later. Got to get to work, now. Thanks for the help. Will share smome more pictures tonight.