A Barong with possible twistcore?

[kai]

Hello Joren,

I purchased this from Mang Ven again the other day only because of the very faint possibility of twist core laminations in the middle. I shone a LED flashlight on it and there seemed to be an ever so slight twist in an area at the middle of the blade. I have tried my best to show it but even then, it's very very faint.

This doesn't look like twistcore to me - would love to be proven wrong though!

In any case, the clear linear pattern is not that common and a good addition to any Moro collection.

I normally etch after polishing in warm white vinegar, but in thise case, should I look for FeCL? Or do you think the vinegar would be enough?

While vinegar may be enough to reveal details, it may also take several rounds of polishing and etching.

A quick wipe with ferric chloride is faster for exploring laminations and pattern welding and completely reversible with ample neutralisation, and a final round of polishing and etching with vinegar (or coconut water). Just make sure that ferric chloride does't get into any cracks and crevices (especially at the base of the hilt), is washed off with copious amounts of water, and thoroughly neutralised since it is really corrosive and keeps nagging on any blade/tang (or many other metals as well as organic materials) if any traces are left.

Regards,
Kai