A question about a Keris

[nechesh]

Originally Posted by Flavio

Hi all. I have just got this keris from a swap with a very respectable member of this forum. This is my first keris and i like it very much.
Now, the keris doesn't show rust but the blade is quite opaque. I have already read other threads on how to clean keris (also in old forum), but now i want to ask you if is it so wrong to use iron wool on keris with oil (like i usually use on african weapons). The first two pics show the blade of my keris, the others show how i'd like that my blade was (the third and the fourth one are taken from another thread and is a Lew's keris {sorry Lew }). Thank you

Poor, poor Flavio, there is no going back now. You are a kerisoholic!
About this keris and how you would like to see it. I think it is very important that you understand that the 3rd and 4th examples (and possible the 5th and 6th as well) are Balinese keris while yours appears to be of the Javanese variety. The smooth finish on the Balinese keris is tradition to keris from this island, but it is NOT presently the style of finish on Javanese blades which generally have a deeper etch with a rougher finish. So i wouldn't think to much about trying to make you Jawa keris look like Lew's Bali Keris.
That being said, i agree with Lew that a #0000 steel wool is not likely to do damage to your keris and may help loosen some dirt and rust from it. You might also try soaking it in pineapple juice for a few days with a frequent brushing over with a toothbrush.