Keris Bahari?

Sajen · 11th May 2012, 10:51 PM

I am not 100% sure but think that handle, pendokok and sampir are old and only the batang is a later replacement. But don't would try to grind away the carvings since they seems to be fairly deep and you will see it when finished. I would let it in this state or maybe replace it when I really like the keris. Agree with David that I would clean the blade and give it a etch.

Regards,

Detlef

ariel · 12th May 2012, 02:14 AM

Sorry for a stupid question: are we talking about freshly-squeezed pineapple juice or will the canned do?
And why necessarily pineapple juice? If acidity is what is required, why not use 5-10% vinegar from a local supermarket? Anything specific for the pineapple juice or is it just a cultural thing? Also, how do I remove the handle?

Gosh, I never thought there are so many silly questions .......

David · 12th May 2012, 02:48 AM

Actually Ariel, coconut water might be more traditional. Pineaapple juice is a tried and true acid that works slowly enough as not to do much damage to the metal as it cleans rust and dirt from the blade. You can let it soak for days, but you should hit it with an old toothbrush a couple of times a day during the soak. I use it at the suggestion of Alan Maisey and it works great. I think it is probably more gentle than vinegar. Canned is fine, but unsweetened please.
The handle should have some play in it unless it was epoxied or something stupid like that. Try wiggling it gently while slowly trying to pulling it off. If it doesn't move you may need to gently heat the blade to loosen whatever is binding the pesi (tang).

ariel · 12th May 2012, 12:25 PM

Many thanks for your help and suggestions.

11th May 2012, 10:51 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	I am not 100% sure but think that handle, pendokok and sampir are old and only the batang is a later replacement. But don't would try to grind away the carvings since they seems to be fairly deep and you will see it when finished. I would let it in this state or maybe replace it when I really like the keris. Agree with David that I would clean the blade and give it a etch. Regards, Detlef

12th May 2012, 02:14 AM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Sorry for a stupid question: are we talking about freshly-squeezed pineapple juice or will the canned do? And why necessarily pineapple juice? If acidity is what is required, why not use 5-10% vinegar from a local supermarket? Anything specific for the pineapple juice or is it just a cultural thing? Also, how do I remove the handle? Gosh, I never thought there are so many silly questions .......

12th May 2012, 02:48 AM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Actually Ariel, coconut water might be more traditional. Pineaapple juice is a tried and true acid that works slowly enough as not to do much damage to the metal as it cleans rust and dirt from the blade. You can let it soak for days, but you should hit it with an old toothbrush a couple of times a day during the soak. I use it at the suggestion of Alan Maisey and it works great. I think it is probably more gentle than vinegar. Canned is fine, but unsweetened please. The handle should have some play in it unless it was epoxied or something stupid like that. Try wiggling it gently while slowly trying to pulling it off. If it doesn't move you may need to gently heat the blade to loosen whatever is binding the pesi (tang).

12th May 2012, 12:25 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Many thanks for your help and suggestions.