New Moro kris

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by apolaki

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I was wondering, is the hilt of a Moro kris not removeable by simply twisting off? Are the clamps securing it in some way?
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Moro kris hilts are not necessarily round like Indonesian keris, and the bac-baca clamps run back under the grip wrappings on purpose to hold the grip on when swung in anger, unlike a keris meant just for thrusting and also for easy removal of the hilts. The grip might even be glued on, so unless you can remove them without breaking them, and re-attach them and re-wrap the grips as you found them, it might not be worth removing them, If you use acid (vinegar or other) to remove the rust, don't forget to neutralise the acid with a baking soda solution wash.

[apolaki]

I am currently submerging blade alone in vinegar diluted to 5% acidity in a vertical tube. I am noticing black color forming along both sides of blade. The middle section still had original color intact. Is this damage or normal?

How long should I keep kris in this solution?

[kai]

Sorry for not getting back earlier!

Did you manage to remove hilt and clamps?

The dark edges are normal: The steel “slorok” will react quite strongly with the vinegar.

Make sure not to overdo the exposure: At this stage, it’s best to remove the blade repeatedly, thoroughly scrub it and search for remaining specks of rust which should be loosened manually. Soak again and repeat the process until no more rust shows up. Try to keep soaking time short and some gentle polishing in between won’t hurt IMHO.

Let’s see a pic taken with flash when you believe you’ done!

Regards,
Kai

[apolaki]

Hi

I will try to take photos later. I notixed the baca baca or rather asang asang has some green spots and likely made of another metal than blade. Do you know what material it is likely to be? I accidently got a bit of asang asang submerged in vinegar. Will it react negatively?
Thanks!

Originally Posted by kai

Sorry for not getting back earlier!

Did you manage to remove hilt and clamps?

The dark edges are normal: The steel “slorok” will react quite strongly with the vinegar.

Make sure not to overdo the exposure: At this stage, it’s best to remove the blade repeatedly, thoroughly scrub it and search for remaining specks of rust which should be loosened manually. Soak again and repeat the process until no more rust shows up. Try to keep soaking time short and some gentle polishing in between won’t hurt IMHO.

Let’s see a pic taken with flash when you believe you’ done!

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by apolaki

I notixed the baca baca or rather asang asang has some green spots and likely made of another metal than blade. Do you know what material it is likely to be? I accidently got a bit of asang asang submerged in vinegar. Will it react negatively?

They will be from silver or brass (I think it will be the first). You can polish them up again, no big problem by such a low concentration. Are you sure that the handle don't get contact with the vinegar concentration?

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

I personally would have cleaned the blade by hand with different grain size sanding paper. By this grade of oxidation it's a very easy work IMHO.

Regards,
Detlef

[apolaki]

What are some signs of corrosion to the blade for leaving it in too long in 5% vinegar acidity?
I noticed the tip of blade has some split in the center. It may have already had that condition however. I did not notice til now.

But are there other signs of corrosion or over exposure has occurred?

Originally Posted by Sajen

I personally would have cleaned the blade by hand with different grain size sanding paper. By this grade of oxidation it's a very easy work IMHO.

Regards,
Detlef

[kai]

Hello Apolaki,

I notixed the baca baca or rather asang asang has some green spots and likely made of another metal than blade. Do you know what material it is likely to be?

If the clamps are heavily patinated silver (alloy), the ferrule may be some nickel alloy.

Alternatively, the ferrule may be silver and the clamps brass.

Regards,
Kai