Just a quick update, photos to follow when the keris are reassembled. The weather turned pleasant, so I spent the afternoon working on the blades. My problematic "rusty" keris did not respond to the wash in any way, there was literally no change from the freshly soaked blade. Thats OK with me, I just oiled the blade and set it aside. The other, smoother blade responded spectacularly, with very defined and bright lines of pamor on a dark ground. It may actually be darker than would be preferable, but there were some problems getting a good finish on those formerly rusty patches, so I sort of blended the wash in overall. Its a whole new keris. Like I said, photos to follow. Thanks again for everyones interest and help. This has been an exercise in patience for me most definitely, and a great way to understand this most fascinating artifact. They certainly have personality.
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