Worth Repairing or Not?

drac2k · 4th June 2023, 04:30 PM

I often visit this site and the more I read, the more I realize what I don't know.
I have this Kris with a broken handle and what I believe is a decent blade. The carving on the handle appears to be good, but not outstanding. Is it worth replacing the handle or should I just trade it off? The blade measures 16.25" long.

Sajen · 4th June 2023, 06:28 PM

Hello Drac2k,

The blade is in my opinion a East Java/Madura blade, the handle is a Donoriko handle. Is there a scabbard? I personally would replace the handle.

Regards,
Detlef

drac2k · 4th June 2023, 08:04 PM

Thanks, Sajen.There wasn't a scabbard. How old do you think the blade is and is it worth investing in a handle as a good one can be somewhat pricey?

Sajen · 4th June 2023, 08:24 PM

Difficult question! I would have a handle.

But you would need a scabbard as well which would be much more difficult. Would like to read what others think.

Regards,
Detlef

A. G. Maisey · 4th June 2023, 09:14 PM

In Madura or Jawa this hilt could be recarved, outside of there it needs to be replaced.

This would have been a nice hilt, & to get an old one of similar quality will cost, but in my opinion it would be money well spent.

Yes, it is a Madura blade, most probably second half 19th century.

It also needs a scabbard, and as mentioned, this would not be easy.

Rick · 4th June 2023, 10:08 PM

Look what just appeared in my mailbox.

This came from an ebay seller; so they are out there.

4th June 2023, 04:30 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Worth Repairing or Not? I often visit this site and the more I read, the more I realize what I don't know. I have this Kris with a broken handle and what I believe is a decent blade. The carving on the handle appears to be good, but not outstanding. Is it worth replacing the handle or should I just trade it off? The blade measures 16.25" long. Attached Images

4th June 2023, 10:08 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,290	Not An Offer // Coincidence Look what just appeared in my mailbox. This came from an ebay seller; so they are out there. Attached Images Last edited by Rick; 4th June 2023 at 10:21 PM.

4th June 2023, 06:28 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Hello Drac2k, The blade is in my opinion a East Java/Madura blade, the handle is a Donoriko handle. Is there a scabbard? I personally would replace the handle. Regards, Detlef

4th June 2023, 08:04 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks, Sajen.There wasn't a scabbard. How old do you think the blade is and is it worth investing in a handle as a good one can be somewhat pricey?

4th June 2023, 08:24 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Difficult question! I would have a handle. But you would need a scabbard as well which would be much more difficult. Would like to read what others think. Regards, Detlef

4th June 2023, 09:14 PM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,877	In Madura or Jawa this hilt could be recarved, outside of there it needs to be replaced. This would have been a nice hilt, & to get an old one of similar quality will cost, but in my opinion it would be money well spent. Yes, it is a Madura blade, most probably second half 19th century. It also needs a scabbard, and as mentioned, this would not be easy.