Parang? Java? Bali?

Battara · 10th September 2016, 03:34 PM

Detlef makes a good point on re-etching the blade.

Jerseyman · 10th September 2016, 07:28 PM

Thanks all for the input.

Regarding the blade there isn't actually any rust at all. What you're seeing is an artefact of the light and the camera. Those areas of black are only the very faintest shadows of former corrosion - barely visible to the eye, but for some reason glaringly obvious in the photos. The blade is so polished I can see my reflection in it - it's actually much cleaner than I like my blades. My personal preference is to see the patination the material has built up over time - although clean of course.

Explain to me why you would etch the blade? If you look at the eighth picture you should be able to see that the lamination is very prominent. If you run your fingernail across the blade it feels like a ploughed field. To the fingertip the blade feels ridged all the way down. Would etching make the lamination visually clearer? Again I have to say it's actually very obvious to the eye - perhaps not coming across in the photos.

Can anyone clarify for me the use of the term pamor? Only used when two or more types of metal are mixed? Only used for Malaysian blades?

All thoughts welcomed.

Maurice · 10th September 2016, 09:16 PM

This one in similar style as yours in a scabbard which is typically seen in Bandung during the early 1800's is in the Leiden museum.

I thought it would be nice to post in this thread, to compare the "old style" hilts with the more recent one.

Maurice · 10th September 2016, 09:28 PM

And an old drawing of such (old style) hilt, also in the Leiden museum collection.

Rick · 10th September 2016, 10:13 PM

Pamor means layers in the simplest definition in Indonesian.
It also refers to the patterns seen; sometimes planned sometimes not.
I think if you etched that blade you might well find contrasting colors of metal; of course you might not, but I think that's why most are encouraging you to do so.

10th September 2016, 09:16 PM	#3
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,453	This one in similar style as yours in a scabbard which is typically seen in Bandung during the early 1800's is in the Leiden museum. I thought it would be nice to post in this thread, to compare the "old style" hilts with the more recent one. Attached Images

10th September 2016, 09:28 PM	#4
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,453	And an old drawing of such (old style) hilt, also in the Leiden museum collection. Attached Images

10th September 2016, 03:34 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Detlef makes a good point on re-etching the blade.

10th September 2016, 07:28 PM	#2
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Thanks all for the input. Regarding the blade there isn't actually any rust at all. What you're seeing is an artefact of the light and the camera. Those areas of black are only the very faintest shadows of former corrosion - barely visible to the eye, but for some reason glaringly obvious in the photos. The blade is so polished I can see my reflection in it - it's actually much cleaner than I like my blades. My personal preference is to see the patination the material has built up over time - although clean of course. Explain to me why you would etch the blade? If you look at the eighth picture you should be able to see that the lamination is very prominent. If you run your fingernail across the blade it feels like a ploughed field. To the fingertip the blade feels ridged all the way down. Would etching make the lamination visually clearer? Again I have to say it's actually very obvious to the eye - perhaps not coming across in the photos. Can anyone clarify for me the use of the term pamor? Only used when two or more types of metal are mixed? Only used for Malaysian blades? All thoughts welcomed.

10th September 2016, 10:13 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Pamor means layers in the simplest definition in Indonesian. It also refers to the patterns seen; sometimes planned sometimes not. I think if you etched that blade you might well find contrasting colors of metal; of course you might not, but I think that's why most are encouraging you to do so.