Kris Restoration Process
 

Since some have asked me in the past to share process, I thought I would here. The first pictures are of a kris as it came to me. It needed hilt restoration, a baka-baka clamp, and a large part of the scabbard was missing along with the wranga (top part).

I based the silver restorations on imprints I found on the hilt as well as the baka-baka.

The bigger process was the wranga. I had to cut a chunk of burled walnut from a log and carve it out. Then I stained it to better match the hue of the scabbard patina.

Finally, I took plain sheet silver and wrapped the scabbard, making silver bands and placing them on the scabbard.

This is the end result:

Cool
You make it looks so easy. How about closeups of the hilt and the baka-baka.. That is some log.

Excellent job, Jose! Congratulations!!! :) :cool:

Jose, that looks great. What kind of joint do you use on the silver rings? Is it a simple butt joint, or what? I had to make a brass ferrule for a kris today and made kind of a miter joint. I filed the edges of the brass at an angle so there would be more surface area and strength to the joint. Love to know how the pro does it. :)

Steve

Here is the best picture I have of the baka-baka and hilt.

Steve, I am embarrassed to say that I am not familiar with your terms.

Thank you everyone.

Nice job, Jose!

Just curious: Isn't this a Sulu kalis seko? Why do you call the clamp by the Maranao name (baka-baka rather than asang-asang) and also use a non-Sulu crosspiece design?

BTW, when does this hilt/pommel design show up? I don't think I've seen that with old (like pre-Span.-Am. war) kris.

Regards,
Kai

Kai, I'm not sure I would call this Sulu. The "mouth" does not suggest this to me. I thought it to be Maguindanano, though a form that can look Tausug.

As for baka-baka vs asang-asang - you got me.:o I used the term as a short cut or short hand for all the clamps. Guess I need to stop cheating on the terms.

The hilt design - that was from the indentations on the wood. I have seen this on turn of the century pieces before, though I admit uncommon.

Here is a close up of the finished wranga:

Jose, I'm the one who should be embarrased, talking "engineer speak" to an artist! :) I sent an email hopefully explaining my question better.

Nice work sir!
Steve

Jose,
I have to say nice job. It is more then I ever expected for that kalis. You have restored it to the dignity that it had before it fell on hard time. Thankyou.
Mike

I am so pleased that you like it. :D

Absolutely beautiful work as always. Thank you very much for sharing the process of the restoration with us.


Robert