Shi - Hutu sword Rwanda?

fernando · 3rd November 2007, 03:50 PM

Hi Bill
Nice piece.
Do you mean the stuff that holds the blade to the hilt ?
Pitch or tar !
I see they seem to use this as a gum to fix blades also in the East ... Like, for instance, Omani janbiyyas, Indian tulwars and so.

Second thaught
I now don't think you meant that, but the dark "paint" on the blades

.
Please forget my aproach

.
Fdernando

Tim Simmons · 3rd November 2007, 05:41 PM

Very nice. I need one of these so badly it disturbs my sleep

Tim Simmons · 3rd November 2007, 08:26 PM

Bill. The black stuff on the blade is what is known as iron scale a natural carbon layer due to heating and forging. Most often in many parts of the world this is physically removed to achieve polished bare metal. Shiny things seem to have a instinctive appeal. Personally I like the play of black iron scale against polished metal. I also like to see the hammer work. I feel that in much African work the actual hammering is done not just to form the blade but also to appear pleasing to the eye when one takes the time to look. I could be talking out of my

.

I have found this from a definition site, not to say it does not contain carbon also-
Iron scale, the thin film which on the surface of wrought
iron in the process of forging. It consists essentially of
the magnetic oxide of iron, Fe3O4>.

3rd November 2007, 03:50 PM	#1
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Hi Bill Nice piece. Do you mean the stuff that holds the blade to the hilt ? Pitch or tar ! I see they seem to use this as a gum to fix blades also in the East ... Like, for instance, Omani janbiyyas, Indian tulwars and so. Second thaught I now don't think you meant that, but the dark "paint" on the blades . Please forget my aproach . Fdernando

3rd November 2007, 05:41 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Very nice. I need one of these so badly it disturbs my sleep

3rd November 2007, 08:26 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Bill. The black stuff on the blade is what is known as iron scale a natural carbon layer due to heating and forging. Most often in many parts of the world this is physically removed to achieve polished bare metal. Shiny things seem to have a instinctive appeal. Personally I like the play of black iron scale against polished metal. I also like to see the hammer work. I feel that in much African work the actual hammering is done not just to form the blade but also to appear pleasing to the eye when one takes the time to look. I could be talking out of my . I have found this from a definition site, not to say it does not contain carbon also- Iron scale, the thin film which on the surface of wrought iron in the process of forging. It consists essentially of the magnetic oxide of iron, Fe3O4>.