Balinese keris bilah color

A. G. Maisey · 26th June 2018, 10:09 PM

Anthony, I suggest that you mechanically re-polish ensure the re-polished blade is clean and free from grease, then try your vinegar bath, but only for a few hours at a time, you do not want to run any risk of creating a rough surface.

It is as David has said, it really needs to be correctly restained, and these days, that is not all that easy to get done for a Bali blade.

Anthony G. · 27th June 2018, 02:59 AM

Thanks. I think I have to leave it as it is as for now because I have no experience in acid etching etc.

Please see detailed photo of the bilah color.

kai · 27th June 2018, 12:15 PM

Hello Anthony,

Quote:

Please see detailed photo of the bilah color.

Yes, it is a bit out of stain. Still, the pamor is visible and there is no urgent need for major restoration unless you prefer it.

I'd avoid using vinegar unless you're going for a full clean/re-stain. Vinegar tends to remove remnants of warangan and you end up with a "white" blade. If so, re-polish the blade as Alan suggests since longer exposure will dull the Balinese polish. After the blade is clean, rub on the warangan/lime juice.

If you thoroughly degrease a blade that shows remnants of warangan, and then soak the blade in lime juice (or fresh pineapple juice), the warangan often gets reactivated and the blade can come out with a stronger stain than it went in. As suggested by Alan, you want to monitor the process very closely as to avoid loosing the polish! I haven't tried the rubbing approach with such a blade - likely to be quite tedious, I guess.

Regards,
Kai

27th June 2018, 02:59 AM	#2
Anthony G. Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 470	Thanks. I think I have to leave it as it is as for now because I have no experience in acid etching etc. Please see detailed photo of the bilah color. Attached Images Last edited by Anthony G.; 27th June 2018 at 03:20 AM.

26th June 2018, 10:09 PM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	Anthony, I suggest that you mechanically re-polish ensure the re-polished blade is clean and free from grease, then try your vinegar bath, but only for a few hours at a time, you do not want to run any risk of creating a rough surface. It is as David has said, it really needs to be correctly restained, and these days, that is not all that easy to get done for a Bali blade.