Small blade for ID.

Stan S. · 30th March 2012, 02:01 PM

You know, I was also about to say India (and Kerala is one of the regions famous for downcurved single-edged knife blades) but there is something "unindian" about this item, even despite a little figural cut out at the bottom of the edge... Perhaps it is the thickness of the blade? Kerala knifes are usually much thiner and compensate for that by having a T-spine on the back of the blade. Sorry, I wish I could be more helpful. If you do decide to turn this into a kerala knife, here are a few examples to give you an idea for the construction of the hilt.

G. McCormack · 30th March 2012, 06:58 PM

Cool looking blade. Sadly it looks like it's lost half of it's heat treat, if it was ever hardened.

David R · 6th April 2012, 11:44 PM

I have began proper cleaning of the blade, starting with the old coke soak, getting the first layers off, so to speak. Interestingly, a third of the width of the blade, along the edge, has come out distinctly darker, along a clearly defined line. So, edge insert or wootz, or is there a tradition that uses both. Any ideas anyone??

Stan S. · 7th April 2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

I have began proper cleaning of the blade, starting with the old coke soak, getting the first layers off, so to speak. Interestingly, a third of the width of the blade, along the edge, has come out distinctly darker, along a clearly defined line. So, edge insert or wootz, or is there a tradition that uses both. Any ideas anyone??

Hmmmm... India? We need some pictures of this "line"...

David R · 7th April 2012, 02:42 PM

I am not sure how well it would photograph, and do not have a decent enough camera anyway at present. However I have marked on a photo' the deliniation of the colour difference, it is distinctly darker along the edge. If it is anything like an edge insert or differential tempering it will show after a polish and etch, which is what I am doing next.

David R · 7th April 2012, 05:01 PM

I have polished one side, (not to well, alas the pitting is too deep to ever get it back to original finish) and given it a quick etch with hot vinegar. Not wootz, but looks very much like san mai. Definately an inserted edge. So perhaps further South and East rather than India.

steeldust · 7th April 2012, 11:12 PM

Hello David R. Could you post a photo of the blade after the polish and quick etch? I have never seen this done before and am interested in the process.

30th March 2012, 02:01 PM	#1
Stan S. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Brooklyn, NY USA Posts: 227	You know, I was also about to say India (and Kerala is one of the regions famous for downcurved single-edged knife blades) but there is something "unindian" about this item, even despite a little figural cut out at the bottom of the edge... Perhaps it is the thickness of the blade? Kerala knifes are usually much thiner and compensate for that by having a T-spine on the back of the blade. Sorry, I wish I could be more helpful. If you do decide to turn this into a kerala knife, here are a few examples to give you an idea for the construction of the hilt. Attached Images

7th April 2012, 02:42 PM	#5
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,116	I am not sure how well it would photograph, and do not have a decent enough camera anyway at present. However I have marked on a photo' the deliniation of the colour difference, it is distinctly darker along the edge. If it is anything like an edge insert or differential tempering it will show after a polish and etch, which is what I am doing next. Attached Images

30th March 2012, 06:58 PM	#2
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	Cool looking blade. Sadly it looks like it's lost half of it's heat treat, if it was ever hardened.

6th April 2012, 11:44 PM	#3
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,116	I have began proper cleaning of the blade, starting with the old coke soak, getting the first layers off, so to speak. Interestingly, a third of the width of the blade, along the edge, has come out distinctly darker, along a clearly defined line. So, edge insert or wootz, or is there a tradition that uses both. Any ideas anyone??

7th April 2012, 05:01 PM	#6
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,116	I have polished one side, (not to well, alas the pitting is too deep to ever get it back to original finish) and given it a quick etch with hot vinegar. Not wootz, but looks very much like san mai. Definately an inserted edge. So perhaps further South and East rather than India.

7th April 2012, 11:12 PM	#7
steeldust Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tucson, Az Posts: 3	Hello David R. Could you post a photo of the blade after the polish and quick etch? I have never seen this done before and am interested in the process.