Swish of the Kris - For Wayan :)

Rick · 25th June 2006, 05:42 PM

Cannonmn , I hope you stick around this place ; I think you're a good addition to the crew (and we don't mind talking about cannons either).

I believe your kris to be fairly recent ; say less than 80 tears old ; that's just my opinion though . There is a lot of good workmanship in your blade and I wonder if it wasn't meant for local use rather than for sale to foreigners .

One thing I find interesting is the top of the gangya area on your blade ; it looks like a relatively straight line whereas most of the pieces I have seen have a sweep or curve to them .
Check out that separate gangya pic I posted in the other thread and you'll see the difference .

Does anyone want to suggest a tribal attribution for Cannonmn's kris ?

Do you think you'd consider etching it to bring out any pattern that might be there ?

cannonmn · 25th June 2006, 05:54 PM

Rick, thanks. I really like this board, so much higher level than those I'm used to on E.

Yes I'd consider etching. I searched this board for how to do it etc. but didn't get to any "how to" post. If you could link me to any semi-thorough past discussion of it I will read it. I have other blades that are oxidized enough that I would definitely like to find out the proper way to clean,polish, etch them, and would be happy to post results when done.

Rick · 25th June 2006, 06:19 PM

First you must get the blade totally degreased and any rust removed .
I have used acetone and then a strong detergent wash followed by a thorough rinse and blow dry with heat .

If you have any hot sun where you are (there ain't any here) leave the kris out in direct hot sunlight for a couple of hours . The most gentle etchants are vinegar or strained Lime juice (lots) ; they are best when used hot ; add a drop of liquid detergent to your etchant so that it does not bead up on the blade surface .
Apply the etchant to the blade with a clean brush or rag quickly covering the entire sword and work the solution around on all the surfaces ; the trick is to keep the liquid moving so that the discoloration of the metal happens evenly .
When and if you see a pattern start to come out keep working and let it darken to the shade that you like then rinse in hot water and wash with baking soda to neutralize the etchant . There may be some tarnish left on the surface so rub the blade down with a soft dry cloth . Finish drying until the blade is warm again with a hair dryer . Spray the blade with WD40 to stabilise the surface ; wipe it clean and apply wax or gun oil .

There are other ways and maybe someone else will offer one . I like this method because it's gentle on the steel .

cannonmn · 25th June 2006, 07:17 PM

Will try that in near future, thanks!

25th June 2006, 05:54 PM	#2
cannonmn Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 161	4 Rick Rick, thanks. I really like this board, so much higher level than those I'm used to on E. Yes I'd consider etching. I searched this board for how to do it etc. but didn't get to any "how to" post. If you could link me to any semi-thorough past discussion of it I will read it. I have other blades that are oxidized enough that I would definitely like to find out the proper way to clean,polish, etch them, and would be happy to post results when done.

25th June 2006, 06:19 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	One Way First you must get the blade totally degreased and any rust removed . I have used acetone and then a strong detergent wash followed by a thorough rinse and blow dry with heat . If you have any hot sun where you are (there ain't any here) leave the kris out in direct hot sunlight for a couple of hours . The most gentle etchants are vinegar or strained Lime juice (lots) ; they are best when used hot ; add a drop of liquid detergent to your etchant so that it does not bead up on the blade surface . Apply the etchant to the blade with a clean brush or rag quickly covering the entire sword and work the solution around on all the surfaces ; the trick is to keep the liquid moving so that the discoloration of the metal happens evenly . When and if you see a pattern start to come out keep working and let it darken to the shade that you like then rinse in hot water and wash with baking soda to neutralize the etchant . There may be some tarnish left on the surface so rub the blade down with a soft dry cloth . Finish drying until the blade is warm again with a hair dryer . Spray the blade with WD40 to stabilise the surface ; wipe it clean and apply wax or gun oil . There are other ways and maybe someone else will offer one . I like this method because it's gentle on the steel .

25th June 2006, 07:17 PM	#4
cannonmn Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 161	Tx Rick Will try that in near future, thanks!

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25th June 2006, 05:42 PM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Cannonmn , I hope you stick around this place ; I think you're a good addition to the crew (and we don't mind talking about cannons either). I believe your kris to be fairly recent ; say less than 80 tears old ; that's just my opinion though . There is a lot of good workmanship in your blade and I wonder if it wasn't meant for local use rather than for sale to foreigners . One thing I find interesting is the top of the gangya area on your blade ; it looks like a relatively straight line whereas most of the pieces I have seen have a sweep or curve to them . Check out that separate gangya pic I posted in the other thread and you'll see the difference . Does anyone want to suggest a tribal attribution for Cannonmn's kris ? Do you think you'd consider etching it to bring out any pattern that might be there ?