New handle

jonng · 9th October 2007, 11:20 AM

Hi Marco,

I think the use of power tools is inevitable when it comes to keris hilts. How many master carvers are still active in Indonesia nowadays?
Ideally, carvers should rely on their traditional hand-made tools. I believe the use of power tools will create a barrier between the carver ( creator ) and the hilt he is trying to creat. Just like an Empu who is trying to imbue the kris blade with his creative and spiritual energy/ force, the carver should feel the same about what he wants to creat. If he is able to achieve this, the result will speak of itself.
The hilt you have posted is technically impressive and not without it's merit, but just too clinical perhaps. But still, it beats a lot of what is being produced nowadays.

B/rgds,
jonathan

A. G. Maisey · 9th October 2007, 02:01 PM

I have found these comments quite interesting. They remind me very much of comments in another thread which related to traditional working methods in the forge.

The carving that is the focus of discussion here is a pretty fair piece of work. Certainly it is not brilliant art, but it is a good example of the modern carver's craft.

Most importantly, it is affordable.

To accomplish the same, or a similar result with hand tools would take---how long?

Would the piece of work done with hand tools be equally affordable?

No, it would not.

It is perhaps a nice feeling to decry the loss of traditional working methods, but these artist/craftsmen must live , as do we all need to live. If they only produce works that are beyond the reach of all but very wealthy people, the craft will eventually die.

In my opinion we should praise the use of these modern working methods which make available to clerks and carpenters , the art and craft which was in the past the exclusive prerogative of princes.

lemmythesmith · 9th October 2007, 09:38 PM

Hi Marco, love the hilt!! I agree with David, Alan and Ganja-yes, it's incredibly easy to make a really bad mistake with power tools when carving, if you make a slip with the dremel it WILL (sod's law)cut much deeper than when you're carving intentionally! As always today the almighty dollar rules most crafts, power tools give you a little more speed when carving but don't make it that much easier.

Any chance of some more photos, all round views of the hilt?

Marcokeris · 13th October 2007, 11:43 AM

Thanks to all kerisfriend.
Sorry Lemmy but i have only one photo.

9th October 2007, 11:20 AM	#1
jonng Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 41	Hi Marco, I think the use of power tools is inevitable when it comes to keris hilts. How many master carvers are still active in Indonesia nowadays? Ideally, carvers should rely on their traditional hand-made tools. I believe the use of power tools will create a barrier between the carver ( creator ) and the hilt he is trying to creat. Just like an Empu who is trying to imbue the kris blade with his creative and spiritual energy/ force, the carver should feel the same about what he wants to creat. If he is able to achieve this, the result will speak of itself. The hilt you have posted is technically impressive and not without it's merit, but just too clinical perhaps. But still, it beats a lot of what is being produced nowadays. B/rgds, jonathan

9th October 2007, 02:01 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,991	I have found these comments quite interesting. They remind me very much of comments in another thread which related to traditional working methods in the forge. The carving that is the focus of discussion here is a pretty fair piece of work. Certainly it is not brilliant art, but it is a good example of the modern carver's craft. Most importantly, it is affordable. To accomplish the same, or a similar result with hand tools would take---how long? Would the piece of work done with hand tools be equally affordable? No, it would not. It is perhaps a nice feeling to decry the loss of traditional working methods, but these artist/craftsmen must live , as do we all need to live. If they only produce works that are beyond the reach of all but very wealthy people, the craft will eventually die. In my opinion we should praise the use of these modern working methods which make available to clerks and carpenters , the art and craft which was in the past the exclusive prerogative of princes.

9th October 2007, 09:38 PM	#3
lemmythesmith Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 93	Hi Marco, love the hilt!! I agree with David, Alan and Ganja-yes, it's incredibly easy to make a really bad mistake with power tools when carving, if you make a slip with the dremel it WILL (sod's law)cut much deeper than when you're carving intentionally! As always today the almighty dollar rules most crafts, power tools give you a little more speed when carving but don't make it that much easier. Any chance of some more photos, all round views of the hilt?

13th October 2007, 11:43 AM	#4
Marcokeris Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Italy Posts: 928	Thanks to all kerisfriend. Sorry Lemmy but i have only one photo.