Luzon Spears

Battara · 27th January 2011, 04:00 AM

These types of spears throw me because I have never seen them in the old turn of the century accounts. I think that the post-WWII attribution may be right, Nonoy Tan.

Robert · 27th January 2011, 04:54 AM

Hello, This finish is known as forge black. I learned about it originally from a blacksmith quite a few years ago.
After a quick on-line search I found this modern "How To". I hope that this might be of some help in possibly determining why these have their black appearance.

How To Achieve Forge Black Iron Rustproofing and Metal Finish

This metal finish is known among aficionados of forged iron metal work as FORGE BLACK,
and it derives from a technique dating back over a thousand years. This method is an
attractive finish and a very early method for the rust proofing of iron.

The metal is first meticulously cleaned with 00 emery cloth or steel wool,
then washed with denatured alcohol, shellac grade. This is to remove all grease and dirt.
Do this with clean cloth or paper gloves on so that further grease from handling is not deposited.

As soon as this is dry, coat with linseed oil by wiping, brushing or spraying.
Immediately heat over the forge with air flow applied. This adds free carbon to the burning oil
and an enamel like finish will eventually result, once the oil is all burned off.
Do not heat above black. When the piece stops smoking, remove, cool, and wipe with a cloth to
remove free soot. This leaves a good black finish and has been used for ages as an initial treatment
for iron, with defeat of rust as its main ideal.

Robert

Battara · 28th January 2011, 01:00 AM

Robert thanks - that makes a lot of sense. I can do this with my torch in a simpler way (and sometimes happens anyway) when working with iron or steel.

Nonoy Tan · 28th January 2011, 10:18 PM

Robert, thank you for sharing this information.

migueldiaz · 30th January 2011, 08:13 AM

nonoy, juynboll's 1920s catalogue has such a spear. in the description the only word i can recognize is "ifugao". maybe our dear dutch friends can help us out with the translation

Maurice · 30th January 2011, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by migueldiaz

nonoy, juynboll's 1920s catalogue has such a spear. in the description the only word i can recognize is "ifugao". maybe our dear dutch friends can help us out with the translation

OK, not that spectacular, but here it is:
1878/21. The lancehead in the shape of the head of a fish, with bilateral barbs, the round shaft modifying in a standing human figure.
Wooden shaft from grey wood, the top thickened pear-shaped, inlaid with yellow copper strips, which forms humanfigures and a chain of triangles.
Iron ferrule, with crenated upperside, the lowerside with pointy, iron fittings.
Ifugaos. N.

Length head: 30,5, Width: 4,5, Length wooden shaft: 163, Diameter: 1,5-2,5 cm.
See plate X, fig. 3.

Nonoy Tan · 30th January 2011, 12:12 PM

I would dare to guess that the use of the Froge Black mentioned here by Robert would probably be more applicable to the Ifugao peoples in later years (e.g. post WW II) when the carrying of spears in daily life became less due to restrictions by law. Before that time (when the spears were omnipresent in daily life), the spear bearers/owners probably did not have to worry much about rust because they had the chance to clean the spears daily as a matter of routine. In later years, as the spears spent more time at home, unused and unattended, the application of the Forge Black became useful; and the spears would be used only during feasts or ceremonies, as they are nowadays. This is a general statement and does not mean that non-Forge Black spears are not being made these days, or that only Forge Black spears are made in later years. Still some job orders are received by blacksmiths in Ifugao for non-Forge Black spears, as thiese are preferrred by some. Indeed the variations in spear design and material (on spearheads, ferrules and shafts) among the Northern Luzon Cordillera peoples are so numerous, because these are dictated by personal preferences of the owners, imaginative talent of the blacksmiths, and economics.

30th January 2011, 08:13 AM	#5
migueldiaz Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Manila, Phils. Posts: 1,042	nonoy, juynboll's 1920s catalogue has such a spear. in the description the only word i can recognize is "ifugao". maybe our dear dutch friends can help us out with the translation Attached Images

27th January 2011, 04:00 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,323	These types of spears throw me because I have never seen them in the old turn of the century accounts. I think that the post-WWII attribution may be right, Nonoy Tan.

27th January 2011, 04:54 AM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello, This finish is known as forge black. I learned about it originally from a blacksmith quite a few years ago. After a quick on-line search I found this modern "How To". I hope that this might be of some help in possibly determining why these have their black appearance. How To Achieve Forge Black Iron Rustproofing and Metal Finish This metal finish is known among aficionados of forged iron metal work as FORGE BLACK, and it derives from a technique dating back over a thousand years. This method is an attractive finish and a very early method for the rust proofing of iron. The metal is first meticulously cleaned with 00 emery cloth or steel wool, then washed with denatured alcohol, shellac grade. This is to remove all grease and dirt. Do this with clean cloth or paper gloves on so that further grease from handling is not deposited. As soon as this is dry, coat with linseed oil by wiping, brushing or spraying. Immediately heat over the forge with air flow applied. This adds free carbon to the burning oil and an enamel like finish will eventually result, once the oil is all burned off. Do not heat above black. When the piece stops smoking, remove, cool, and wipe with a cloth to remove free soot. This leaves a good black finish and has been used for ages as an initial treatment for iron, with defeat of rust as its main ideal. Robert

28th January 2011, 01:00 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,323	Robert thanks - that makes a lot of sense. I can do this with my torch in a simpler way (and sometimes happens anyway) when working with iron or steel.

28th January 2011, 10:18 PM	#4
Nonoy Tan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 293	Robert, thank you for sharing this information.

30th January 2011, 12:12 PM	#7
Nonoy Tan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 293	I would dare to guess that the use of the Froge Black mentioned here by Robert would probably be more applicable to the Ifugao peoples in later years (e.g. post WW II) when the carrying of spears in daily life became less due to restrictions by law. Before that time (when the spears were omnipresent in daily life), the spear bearers/owners probably did not have to worry much about rust because they had the chance to clean the spears daily as a matter of routine. In later years, as the spears spent more time at home, unused and unattended, the application of the Forge Black became useful; and the spears would be used only during feasts or ceremonies, as they are nowadays. This is a general statement and does not mean that non-Forge Black spears are not being made these days, or that only Forge Black spears are made in later years. Still some job orders are received by blacksmiths in Ifugao for non-Forge Black spears, as thiese are preferrred by some. Indeed the variations in spear design and material (on spearheads, ferrules and shafts) among the Northern Luzon Cordillera peoples are so numerous, because these are dictated by personal preferences of the owners, imaginative talent of the blacksmiths, and economics.