F. de Luzon's Moro Kris Collection

[kai]

Hello Fernando,

I already commented on your newest acquisition in the dedicated thread.

Here a late comment on the earlier small one:

With a blade length of 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) and the proportionate width, this kris is smaller than the others in my collection. The laminated blade has a separate gangya and is much older than the hilt. The pommel is some kind of hardened resin with a coin (American Era Philippines) dated 1944. It comes with a Maguindanao style scabbard.

I believe the blade dates from the first quarter of the 20th century (give or take a few years); craftsmanship of the panday is not really great and makes it difficult to place. The clamp attachment seems typical for the upper Cota Bato region and I guess the whole hilt got replaced during WW2 or, probably, sometime later; the braiding is done correctly and the piece seems to have been in continued use. I agree with the others to keep it as is.

Regards,
Kai

[F. de Luzon]

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Fernando,

I already commented on your newest acquisition in the dedicated thread.

Here a late comment on the earlier small one:

I believe the blade dates from the first quarter of the 20th century (give or take a few years); craftsmanship of the panday is not really great and makes it difficult to place. The clamp attachment seems typical for the upper Cota Bato region and I guess the whole hilt got replaced during WW2 or, probably, sometime later; the braiding is done correctly and the piece seems to have been in continued use. I agree with the others to keep it as is.

Regards,
Kai

Thanks for your insights Kai! Much appreciated. I have decided to keep it as is.

[Pinoy Blade Hunter]

great collection you have there. i am curious on how you go about ethcing the whole length of the kris blade? i am planning on etching mine as well.

thank you.

[F. de Luzon]

Originally Posted by Pinoy Blade Hunter

great collection you have there. i am curious on how you go about ethcing the whole length of the kris blade? i am planning on etching mine as well.

thank you.

Thanks Pinoy Blade Hunter!

I have a plastic drafting/drawing tube that I fill with sukang puti. It is long enough to immerse the blade up to the area near the gangya. I then brush vinegar on the exposed gangya from time to time. After a few minutes or hours (depending on the condition of the blade) I remove the blade from the tube and even out the etch by brushing more vinegar on the etch line and gangya. I then immerse it again if necessary, until I get the desired effect.

It's important that you neutralize the blade by washing it with a baking soda slurry after etching. After washing off the slurry, I use WD 40 to protect the blade. Btw, I cover the hilt with cling wrap for protection.

Kind regards,

Fernando/ F. de Luzon

[Pinoy Blade Hunter]

Originally Posted by F. de Luzon

Thanks Pinoy Blade Hunter!

I have a plastic drafting/drawing tube that I fill with sukang puti. It is long enough to immerse the blade up to the area near the gangya. I then brush vinegar on the exposed gangya from time to time. After a few minutes or hours (depending on the condition of the blade) I remove the blade from the tube and even out the etch by brushing more vinegar on the etch line and gangya. I then immerse it again if necessary, until I get the desired effect.

It's important that you neutralize the blade by washing it with a baking soda slurry after etching. After washing off the slurry, I use WD 40 to protect the blade. Btw, I cover the hilt with cling wrap for protection.

Kind regards,

Fernando/ F. de Luzon

Thank you very much! Just the information i need. I was wondering about the tube if i will have to make a PVC tube thing, but the tracing paper tube is much more practical and easy.

Do you have a place where you display your sword for public viewing? I would love to gaze upon that twist core piece up close. From malate manila here and i have been frequenting the antique shops in ermita lately. Drooling. Hahaha

Thanks again.
PBH

[F. de Luzon]

Do you have a place where you display your sword for public viewing?

Hi PBH,

I'll get in touch with you soon. A bit busy now. Thanks!

Fernando