Question about preserving a keris

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by shadejoy

I would love to revive this thread with more relevant questions on how to best preserving Keris if you don't mind. If I may..

It's Balinese Keris.
I take on point of view where I see Keris as exceptional piece of art rich with philosophical and cultural values. I am not a spiritual person. Therefore I tend to take a more practical approach on Keris but still acknowledging its esoteric aspects where they fit.

Condition of the Keris: is in great shape with golden kinatah and ruby on the lion's mouth. No rust, with notable pamor shown on the wilah.
Condition of the Warangka: It is a contemporary warangka with intricate carvings. It's made from kayu arang and in good shape with a few mild 'woodish brown' spots which I'm totally unsure of if they're just dirt or scuffs or something else.
Condition of Selut: Silver selut, in great condition.
Condition of Hilt: It's also from kayu arang with gold and silver. The silver and gold have lost their luster and looking dull.

My questions are
For wilah: Is gun oil a good rust prevention for Keris; if it is, can I lather it on the kinatah as well?
Most if not all Keris owners in Indonesia use some type of floral oils. Is that the same as 100% pure essential oils? Some of the oils are reddish in color, so I wonder, is it not going to stain the wilah or its pamor?
There is also a suggestion to drench the wilah in WD40 prior to oiling, is that practice ok as well with keris with kinatah, and will it remove the warangan thus affecting the contrast of the pamor?

For warangka: What should I use to protect the kayu arang and preserve the carvings, any suggestions for its silver pendak as well?

For hilt: This piece is so detailed. How do I bring back the luster without compromising the kayu arang?

I appreciate your suggestions and the discussions!

Interesting pamor pattern. Balinese keris pamor seems not to have this type.

[A. G. Maisey]

I agree with you Anthony, but this is unashamedly a Keris Kamardikan, and when we get into this territory, anything goes.

In any case, it is a beautiful piece of work.

[shadejoy]

Originally Posted by Anthony G.

Interesting pamor pattern. Balinese keris pamor seems not to have this type.

It is a Kamardikan Keris made in 2014, a bespoke piece. I commissioned a Pande in Bali and it took almost a year to finish. The pamor (Jarot Asem) was new to him, so I would agree with you @Anthony G. that this pamor is uncommon for Balinese Keris.

I plan on putting the wilah in an airtight vacuum-sealed plastic bag for preservation.

Thank you very much @Anthony G. & @A. G. Maisey for your appreciation.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by shadejoy

It is a Kamardikan Keris made in 2014, a bespoke piece. I commissioned a Pande in Bali and it took almost a year to finish. The pamor (Jarot Asem) was new to him, so I would agree with you @Anthony G. that this pamor is uncommon for Balinese Keris.

I plan on putting the wilah in an airtight vacuum-sealed plastic bag for preservation.

Thank you very much @Anthony G. & @A. G. Maisey for your appreciation.

would you by chance knows or recall the Balinese panre name who made that difficult pamor pattern?

[shadejoy]

Originally Posted by Anthony G.

would you by chance knows or recall the Balinese panre name who made that difficult pamor pattern?

He's Bli Pande Made Gede Suardika. I was very grateful that he was willing to take up on my request.
I believe his smithy is called Prapen Wesi Aji.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by shadejoy

He's Bli Pande Made Gede Suardika. I was very grateful that he was willing to take up on my request.
I believe his smithy is called Prapen Wesi Aji.

thanks for info