I use cotton string because it absorbs the lacquer better and some of the string used on old Moro pieces are cotton.

Lacquer? Well I use commercial black lacquer. It is very similar (or the same?) as that used on old Moro kris and barong.

As far as the band is concerned, I believe that it is quite possible that there was a silver band there in the middle in this case - it balances out the rest of the silver and brass.

Where do you procure the silver sheet to start with?

On many trainers I have made in the past I've used black hemp cord, it comes in varying weights and sizes and is already black! very strong stuff that takes a wear.

On a recent barong I am making for a friend (I only make them primarily as gifts these days) I recenlty tried out pearled embroidery thread for the wrap. Fantastically amazing stuff, it has a wound rope like look. It's already black and comes very close to some of the wraps I've seen. I put some crazy glue into spots to help it hold up and the glue seeped right in and looked just like some old pieces that were laquered up!

The silver work is one of the last aspects I have yet to delve into so I'm very appreciative of what you've posted here.

There are several sources for silver sheet. Fire Mountain Jewelry, Rio Grande, Hoover and Strong, to name a few.

excellent! Thanks!

Here is the final set of pictures for one kris:

And here is the final set of pictures for the other kris:

Hello Jose,

look good from the pictures and i am curious to hold them in the hand! :)

Regards,

Detlef