Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Iain · 21st July 2014, 09:33 AM

Thanks Colin and Lofty for the comments.

Colin, I did not clean these beyond a light oiling. From the look of the metal I would surmise a light polishing compound was used at some point. I am reasonably happy with the look and have no plans to change it for now.

I too like these simple honest blades. The tak is far better than the telek and seems to have some genuine age. The telek less so I think with visible grind marks and no real sharpness to the edge.

I think the takouba is made from locally smelted iron, or at least was made from "scratch", the telek looks more likely to be recycled steel to me.

I find these examples in some ways more interesting than the better quality typical 19th century trade blades. There is a lot more variance.

I forgot to mention in the original post that unusually the core of the grip on this sword is wood, with a layer of metal over top, then leather.

21st July 2014, 09:33 AM	#5
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,680	Thanks Colin and Lofty for the comments. Colin, I did not clean these beyond a light oiling. From the look of the metal I would surmise a light polishing compound was used at some point. I am reasonably happy with the look and have no plans to change it for now. I too like these simple honest blades. The tak is far better than the telek and seems to have some genuine age. The telek less so I think with visible grind marks and no real sharpness to the edge. I think the takouba is made from locally smelted iron, or at least was made from "scratch", the telek looks more likely to be recycled steel to me. I find these examples in some ways more interesting than the better quality typical 19th century trade blades. There is a lot more variance. I forgot to mention in the original post that unusually the core of the grip on this sword is wood, with a layer of metal over top, then leather.