My new Moro kris

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by VANDOO

A NICE OLD KERIS! IF POSSIBLE REMOVE THE CLOTH WHILE WORKING ON THE KRIS AND REPLACE IT AFTER YOU ARE DONE. THE CLOTH IS LIKELY THE MOST FRAGILE PART, THE WOVEN FIBER GRIP AND BANDS ON THE SCABBARD BEING THE SECOND MOST FRAGILE. AS JOSE SAID WASHING THE CLOTH MIGHT CAUSE IT TO FALL APART.
ACETONE MAY REMOVE THE VARNISH AND STUFF FROM THE BLADE BUT TRY NOT TO GET IT ON THE FIBER ON THE GRIP AS IT OFTEN MESSES UP THE PATINA AND MAKES IT LOOK WHITE. A LIGHT COATING OF MINERAL OIL WILL HELP THE WOVEN FIBER GRIP AND SCABBARD BANDS MAKEING THEM LESS BRITTLE AND DARKENING THE PATINA. iF YOU PREFER NOT TO DARKEN THE FIBER OR WOOD SCABBARD DON'T USE THE MINERAL OIL OR WAX. I PERSONALLY LIKE THE RESTORATION AND RICHER COLOR BUT SOME DON'T.
USE ACETONE IN THE OPEN AIR WITH NO FIRE AROUND AS IT IS HIGHLY FLAMABLE AND CONCENTRATED FUMES CAN KNOCK YOU OUT. GOOD LUCK

Thank you, and you guys have made me afraid to wash the mansala so I don't will do it.

Thank you also for the tip with the acetone, I have handled it already so I know that the smell is very strong and that it is highley flamable.

I personally like it too when the patination becomes more dark and the colour of the wood is richer and will try your tip with the mineral oil. And of course I will open the mansala before all restore works.

Best,

Detlef