Lovely Old Barung With Twistcore

Philip · 15th January 2018, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Marius,

I couldn't agree more. I don't think this is the original or "natural" state of the barung. I did this dark etch ONLY for the sake of photography and showing the complex twisting on this site. I will eventually tone it down to a more natural look just as you suggested.

Robert Cato, in his book Moro Swords (1996), states:
"Blades that are still found in the Philippines are often dusky in appearance, not bright. They frequently exhibit some form of patterning on the surface of the blade. Acidic chemical agents such as various indigenous citrus fruits, were used on the blade right after completion, and in later cleaning. These substances darkened the overall surface of the blade, while at the same time, highlighting the layers of various metals within it." (p 20)

Robert had done field research for this book in the southern Philippines and I was fortunate to have been able to discuss this with him. When he eventually sold his collection I had the chance to look at a few pieces that did retain at least a modicum of the original patina and were not sandpapered bright like so many on the market today. The patterns appear in shades of brown to gray-black. This is consistent with what I have experienced when trying some plant-based etchants, which however are more difficult to get a consistent effect with than the method you used on your barong, which turned out beautifully from a metallographical standpoint.

Battara · 15th January 2018, 11:03 PM

Absolutely right Phillip.

Also I have been informed in the past that long slender blades are call sipput barongs. This great example seems to be a variant of this type.

mariusgmioc · 16th January 2018, 09:55 AM

What etchant did you use?

Regards,

Marius

CharlesS · 16th January 2018, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

What etchant did you use?

Ferric Chloride, and a heavier than usual dose. I will eventually re-etch it or wipe it down with oil and 0000 steel wool to lighten up the darkness of the current etch just a bit.

mariusgmioc · 16th January 2018, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Ferric Chloride, and a heavier than usual dose. I will eventually re-etch it or wipe it down with oil and 0000 steel wool to lighten up the darkness of the current etch just a bit.

Thank you for the reply!

0000 steel wool might still be too harsh. I would use cotton swabs with Picreator's Pre-Lim or just cotton swabs with some Renaissance wax.

Aslan Paladin · 16th January 2018, 07:29 PM

Congratulations, that is one fantastic barong. I hope to get one like that eventually.

David · 16th January 2018, 07:45 PM

Just lovely!

15th January 2018, 11:03 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Absolutely right Phillip. Also I have been informed in the past that long slender blades are call sipput barongs. This great example seems to be a variant of this type.

16th January 2018, 09:55 AM	#3
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,906	What etchant did you use? Regards, Marius

16th January 2018, 07:29 PM	#6
Aslan Paladin Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Te Aroha, New Zealand Posts: 122	Congratulations, that is one fantastic barong. I hope to get one like that eventually.

16th January 2018, 07:45 PM	#7
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Just lovely!