Another restoration question - help me, experts!

S.Workman · 31st May 2014, 09:50 PM

Just a quick update, photos to follow when the keris are reassembled. The weather turned pleasant, so I spent the afternoon working on the blades. My problematic "rusty" keris did not respond to the wash in any way, there was literally no change from the freshly soaked blade. Thats OK with me, I just oiled the blade and set it aside. The other, smoother blade responded spectacularly, with very defined and bright lines of pamor on a dark ground. It may actually be darker than would be preferable, but there were some problems getting a good finish on those formerly rusty patches, so I sort of blended the wash in overall. Its a whole new keris. Like I said, photos to follow. Thanks again for everyones interest and help. This has been an exercise in patience for me most definitely, and a great way to understand this most fascinating artifact. They certainly have personality.

A. G. Maisey · 1st June 2014, 07:49 PM

Yes, I see.

Thanks David.

S.Workman · 1st June 2014, 08:33 PM

Today I treated both keris with clove oil, and I was noticing that the metal of the rougher keris is very pebbly, almost foamy, and seems almost porous toward the tip. Also, the keris is exhibiting the same sulphury, slightly unpleasant smell it had when I first got it. The clove oil subdued it (of course, I think the right amount would subdue the smell of a plague city), but it made me wonder if this is made of the sulphur rich iron Alan M. had mentioned. It might account for the recurring yellowy orange powder, the smell, and the weak, porous metal. Or would it? It's a very curious thing, and I would love to know more but I think once I reattach the hulu I am done with this keris. There seems to be some degeneration of the metal at the tip, and eventually I will be doing more harm than good.

31st May 2014, 09:50 PM	#1
S.Workman Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 116	Just a quick update, photos to follow when the keris are reassembled. The weather turned pleasant, so I spent the afternoon working on the blades. My problematic "rusty" keris did not respond to the wash in any way, there was literally no change from the freshly soaked blade. Thats OK with me, I just oiled the blade and set it aside. The other, smoother blade responded spectacularly, with very defined and bright lines of pamor on a dark ground. It may actually be darker than would be preferable, but there were some problems getting a good finish on those formerly rusty patches, so I sort of blended the wash in overall. Its a whole new keris. Like I said, photos to follow. Thanks again for everyones interest and help. This has been an exercise in patience for me most definitely, and a great way to understand this most fascinating artifact. They certainly have personality.

1st June 2014, 07:49 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	Yes, I see. Thanks David.

1st June 2014, 08:33 PM	#3
S.Workman Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 116	Today I treated both keris with clove oil, and I was noticing that the metal of the rougher keris is very pebbly, almost foamy, and seems almost porous toward the tip. Also, the keris is exhibiting the same sulphury, slightly unpleasant smell it had when I first got it. The clove oil subdued it (of course, I think the right amount would subdue the smell of a plague city), but it made me wonder if this is made of the sulphur rich iron Alan M. had mentioned. It might account for the recurring yellowy orange powder, the smell, and the weak, porous metal. Or would it? It's a very curious thing, and I would love to know more but I think once I reattach the hulu I am done with this keris. There seems to be some degeneration of the metal at the tip, and eventually I will be doing more harm than good.