Tangs for the memories

Pukka Bundook · 4th September 2015, 04:18 PM

Gavin,

I agree that this issue of resins was well understood hundreds of years ago.
Something that will expand and contract and take up shock was required, and they appear to have found the perfect solution.
The Tulwar is another example, with a short tang gummed in place with the resin of the Pepol tree. It Looks like it should not work, but Does work, and very well.
The older kukris often had the blade so attacked to the hilt as well, but not sure if the resin was the same composition.

You are quite right; the way of fixing did not change because it worked!
All very interesting!

Richard.

David R · 4th September 2015, 07:55 PM

From what I have been able to find, not usually a plain resin though. Often a filler added such as brick dust, powdered charcoal or even sand, and usually with wax, oil or even honey added to increase elasticity. The compositions vary according to climate and available materials, and I think there are a couple of other threads here addressing this very subject.

Battara · 5th September 2015, 01:56 AM

In most cases, later kris seem to have asang-asang/baka-baka as more of a decoration that pays homage to earlier pieces that perhaps needed them.

kronckew · 5th September 2015, 10:59 AM

nepali arms use 'laha' - a mix including pine tree resins combined with the fibrous dried dung and hair of buffalo, also known as himalayan epoxy

- they've proven it over hundreds if not thousands of years of battle, as well as almost continuous use for domestic chores chopping wood and stuff. it's strong, shock resistant and you can boil a hilt in a plastic bag to melt it to remove/replace a damaged hilt. it smells wonderful (er, wonderfully bad) when you melt it, wives do NOT like you doing it indoors in their favourite pan either (don't ask how i know)

.

Gavin Nugent · 12th October 2015, 10:16 PM

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birch_tar

I found it mentioned here;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%96tzi

Gavin

4th September 2015, 04:18 PM	#1
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Gavin, I agree that this issue of resins was well understood hundreds of years ago. Something that will expand and contract and take up shock was required, and they appear to have found the perfect solution. The Tulwar is another example, with a short tang gummed in place with the resin of the Pepol tree. It Looks like it should not work, but Does work, and very well. The older kukris often had the blade so attacked to the hilt as well, but not sure if the resin was the same composition. You are quite right; the way of fixing did not change because it worked! All very interesting! Richard.

4th September 2015, 07:55 PM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,135	From what I have been able to find, not usually a plain resin though. Often a filler added such as brick dust, powdered charcoal or even sand, and usually with wax, oil or even honey added to increase elasticity. The compositions vary according to climate and available materials, and I think there are a couple of other threads here addressing this very subject.

5th September 2015, 01:56 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	In most cases, later kris seem to have asang-asang/baka-baka as more of a decoration that pays homage to earlier pieces that perhaps needed them.

5th September 2015, 10:59 AM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,259	nepali arms use 'laha' - a mix including pine tree resins combined with the fibrous dried dung and hair of buffalo, also known as himalayan epoxy - they've proven it over hundreds if not thousands of years of battle, as well as almost continuous use for domestic chores chopping wood and stuff. it's strong, shock resistant and you can boil a hilt in a plastic bag to melt it to remove/replace a damaged hilt. it smells wonderful (er, wonderfully bad) when you melt it, wives do NOT like you doing it indoors in their favourite pan either (don't ask how i know) .

12th October 2015, 10:16 PM	#5
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birch_tar I found it mentioned here; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%96tzi Gavin