New Keris versus Antique Keris
 

One of the question that I have is how do you choose to build your collection and why do you choose New Keris or Antique?

I guess there is no definitive "right answer" for this as everyone's motives are different and also have the tendency to evolve with time.

The best advice thus that I can give is the same I was given when faced with the same dilemma: "choose what you like".

This I have found to be true with a long passion of mine - wristwatches - and thus it was somewhat easy for me to accept this advice when it was given to me by a highly regarded senior keris student. - Ultimately we can rationalize all kinds of "rules of engagement" what comes to forming a collection but non will be of much use unless you enjoy what you have.

Someone else´s mileage may vary and to prove that I drive in kilometers - not miles ;)

Enjoy the hunt!

Hello Max,

I'm with Jussi (referring to Alan IIRC)!

Related reading:
http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000307.html
http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000402.html
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17989
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17157
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6558

If you pose some specific questions/examples, people will be more likely to respond, too. ;)

Regards,
Kai

Keris
 

Thanks!

I am new to the new Keris I collect mainly the antique ones.

May I know if the new Keris below constitutes. ąʂ a Good Keris?

Hello Max,

Well, if you like it and it wants to stay with you, it is a good one... ;)

The pamor work looks quite decent; finding a genuine antique blade with superior pamor of this type would be quite a feat (not to mention steep dowry...).

From a purist keris Jawa perspective, I believe that the scroll work at the base of the blade is not convincing at all; however, since this keris is obviously not intended to conform with any keraton pakem from Jawa, this is kinda like comparing apples to oranges. I'd prefer better attention to detail though.

Who did craft this blade?

Regards,
Kai