Lombok keris fullers and age query

Ian · 26th January 2025, 11:56 PM

Hi Alan,

In the following statement you refer to rules that apply to keris-making that might well vary by place and time.

Quote:

In the creation of a keris there are certain rules that must be applied to the formation of each part of a keris, and there are standards that must be applied to the work that has been carried out in order to complete the keris.

Are these rules written down so that we may access them today, or were they passed on simply by word of mouth and apprenticeship. I would be interested to know, for example, what the length of the sogokan should be in proportion to the overall blade. This is perhaps an overly simple question and again will probably vary by time and place. But I'm interested in how these rules were promulgated.

Regards,

Ian.

A. G. Maisey · 27th January 2025, 03:01 AM

To the best of my knowledge there is nothing written nor published that sets forth precise measurements , & realistically, there could not be.

I was taught certain angles & measurements, but they were taught as a guide, not as an iron bound rule.

A blade can vary in length, width, angle, the parts of the blade can vary in placement, for example the swell of the edge at front Chest) of the blade and the balancing swell at the back of the blade, ideally these are set at an angle that is in harmony with the other proportions of the blade. These proportions themselves vary according to the classification of a blade & the maker.

However, the overall requirement is that all the characteristics of the blade should be in harmony.

As to how this knowledge was passed on, it was word of mouth from the teacher to his student.

27th January 2025, 03:01 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,990	To the best of my knowledge there is nothing written nor published that sets forth precise measurements , & realistically, there could not be. I was taught certain angles & measurements, but they were taught as a guide, not as an iron bound rule. A blade can vary in length, width, angle, the parts of the blade can vary in placement, for example the swell of the edge at front Chest) of the blade and the balancing swell at the back of the blade, ideally these are set at an angle that is in harmony with the other proportions of the blade. These proportions themselves vary according to the classification of a blade & the maker. However, the overall requirement is that all the characteristics of the blade should be in harmony. As to how this knowledge was passed on, it was word of mouth from the teacher to his student.