Piha Kaetta
 

Hi just wanted to post some photos of my Piha Kaetta. Would like to find out about how old it is. Also how to remove sticky residue from an old label on the blade. Also what the handle is made of etc. Any help much appreciated

Thanks Darren

Salaams dstockbridge, Ivory hilt...If what I am looking at is a wooden scabbard then possibly Ebony...or another hardwood.... The weapon is full of patina ...and I would be very careful before attempting a restoration...start at the bottom of the scale with coke cola on the blade and rinse every few hours.... I see damage on the hilt....and clearly this is a most careful proposition for cleaning ....Take your time. I can tell you that a lot of people would say don't do anything to it at all!...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi :shrug:

It's probably 18th century or early 19th century.
I would leave it as it is now, maybe a bit polishing the silverwork at the handle, but be carefull you don't "clean" the patina of the ivory.
If it was mine I would only clean the blade, and with that I mean clean the oxidation (and don't clean the brass part of it).


Nice piha kaetta!
Best wishes,
Maurice

A VERY NICE COMPLETE EXAMPLE. THERE IS A PRODUCT CALLED GOOF-OFF OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT THAT WILL REMOVE MOST STICKY GUNK WITHOUT DAMAGING THE KNIFE BUT I WOULD NOT GET IT ON THE IVORY JUST IN CASE. WD-40 MIGHT WORK OR WOOD ALCOHOL.
IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY ROSEWOOD WAS SOMETIMES USED FOR SCABBARDS ON THESE PERHAPS THERE IS SOMETHING IN OLD FORUM POSTS. FINDING A INTACT SCABBARD ON THESE IS RARE AS MOST ARE EASILY BROKEN AND OFTEN DISCARDED WHEN BROKEN. SO BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THE SCABBARD AS ITS THE MOST FRAGILE PART, THE METAL COVERING HELPS PROTECT IT ON YOURS.

I have seen Isopropyl Alcohol suggested as a Gunk remover... perhaps others can chime in here with their opinions on this stuff.

I would start just with a kitchen scourer and a regular dish soap to remove the old label. Give it a good soak and rub, before you try something more aggressive...

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think it will be best to go slow and just focus on removing the sticky residue. I am very happy with all the comments. Cheers

Isopropyl Alcohol is used by Nihonto collectors, so I would say it is fairly safe to use!