The Cleaning of Blades

Rick · 19th May 2018, 12:46 AM

I have a (new to me) tombak that I have used Picreator Metal De-corroder on to remove the rust which was pretty substantial.
The result shows a noticeable difference in color between the core and the pamor.
I intend to try a strong, hot coffee solution (in lieu of warangan) to try to make that contrast even more apparent.

I'm hesitant to post pictures here as it is not a keris.

kai · 19th May 2018, 01:33 AM

Hello Rick,

Quote:

I'm hesitant to post pictures here as it is not a keris.

Since we're discussing methods in general, I don't think we need to restrict ourselves to keris only. One might even prefer to transfer this thread to the main forum...

Regards,
Kai

David · 19th May 2018, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

I'm hesitant to post pictures here as it is not a keris.

Well Rick, when we started this forum we made a choice to discuss just keris, not all tosan aji. We talked about including tombak at the time and decided not to and i believe that was probably the best decision. That said, however, i believe that in the context of this discussion a few photographs of the cleaning you did on your tombak would not be out of place in this context. It's not the same as presenting the tombak for deeper discussion. I say go for it.

Rick · 19th May 2018, 02:32 PM

When I'm finally finished with the rust treatment I'll post the blade before I try an etch with super strong coffee. Right now the blade is in a heavy coating of De-corroder wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out too quickly.

Something occurred to me about the subject under discussion: there are many variations in quality of steel and pamor material; would this difference not interfere with a consistent result in whatever rust treatment is involved?

/5/20

Well, here are pictures of this blade after treatment with Metal De-corroder (a Renaissance product) a hot rinse and before any etching has been attempted.

It was quite crusty and the color difference was not aparrent; no before pics, sorry.

Rick · 20th May 2018, 04:39 PM

Bump

jagabuwana · 24th May 2018, 11:50 AM

Would be interesting to see your post-etching results, Rick.

Rick · 24th May 2018, 02:01 PM

Yes it would; if I had anything that could produce a warangan type of etch.

I'm reasonably happy just to see a contrast between the metals; the EPA doesn't want me to possess arsenic trioxide.

David · 24th May 2018, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Yes it would; if I had anything that could produce a warangan type of etch.

I'm reasonably happy just to see a contrast between the metals; the EPA doesn't want me to possess arsenic trioxide.

Though i do believe you said you were going to try a solution of strong coffee, though perhaps "etch" is not the correct word for such a bath. At least i hope not since i am bathing my stomach in some pretty strong coffee right now. LOL!

19th May 2018, 02:32 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	When I'm finally finished with the rust treatment I'll post the blade before I try an etch with super strong coffee. Right now the blade is in a heavy coating of De-corroder wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out too quickly. Something occurred to me about the subject under discussion: there are many variations in quality of steel and pamor material; would this difference not interfere with a consistent result in whatever rust treatment is involved? /5/20 Well, here are pictures of this blade after treatment with Metal De-corroder (a Renaissance product) a hot rinse and before any etching has been attempted. It was quite crusty and the color difference was not aparrent; no before pics, sorry. Attached Images Last edited by Rick; 20th May 2018 at 04:37 PM.

19th May 2018, 12:46 AM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	I have a (new to me) tombak that I have used Picreator Metal De-corroder on to remove the rust which was pretty substantial. The result shows a noticeable difference in color between the core and the pamor. I intend to try a strong, hot coffee solution (in lieu of warangan) to try to make that contrast even more apparent. I'm hesitant to post pictures here as it is not a keris.

20th May 2018, 04:39 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Bump

24th May 2018, 11:50 AM	#6
jagabuwana Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 290	Would be interesting to see your post-etching results, Rick.

24th May 2018, 02:01 PM	#7
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Yes it would; if I had anything that could produce a warangan type of etch. I'm reasonably happy just to see a contrast between the metals; the EPA doesn't want me to possess arsenic trioxide.