Archaic kris for comment

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by xasterix

I got this from a Cebu-based (in Visayas area, Philippines) family with Moro lineage. 20.3in blade length, hilt pommel didn't seem broken (seemed like it was made that way, no junggayan crest). Rectangular tang tapering to a sharp point was just short (2.7in). The blade is on the medium side (not as light as other archaics I've held), it's rigid and non-flexible. There's a curious part to the blade where the damascus pattern starts way above the base of the blade, after a line (I've polished and etched the whole blade at least 3x, the 'blank' part really yields no pattern).

I haven't touched up the scabbard, it's as-found.

Comments on age estimate and ID are welcome. TIA!

If it is lightweight, most likely is old, maybe 19th century? As new blade usually are heavier than the old.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Anthony G.

If it is lightweight, most likely is old, maybe 19th century? As new blade usually are heavier than the old.

It's the most hefty among my probably-archaic pieces, but still lighter compared to late 19th century ones. I believe the reason for the heft is it has a beefier blade (thicker) compared to others of its era.

[JBG163]

xasterix,
could it be possible to get a close up picture of the "line", on both side ?
Thanks !

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by JBG163

xasterix,
could it be possible to get a close up picture of the "line", on both side ?
Thanks !

Sure, here you go

[JBG163]

XasteriX,
Actually, that line is quite a mystery to me. You can see the pattern going through the line.

So, if the keris was broken, then welded back together, it would be almost impossible to have the pattern exactly corresponding.
==> So, it's not a weld line...

Other possibility... It's the quench line.... But i doubt it is.
I honestly grind my mind

[Interested Party]

Originally Posted by JBG163

XasteriX,
Actually, that line is quite a mystery to me. You can see the pattern going through the line.

So, if the keris was broken, then welded back together, it would be almost impossible to have the pattern exactly corresponding.
==> So, it's not a weld line...

Other possibility... It's the quench line.... But i doubt it is.
I honestly grind my mind

Agreed a forge weld of a broken blade would show a scarp joint. Here are two random theories: 1. Stress fracture that opened and was welded (closed) during the forging process? 2. Silver solder of a break?

Bonus idea could the billet have been saw cut and had a sheet of the lighter metal inserted then forge welded together? Either partially cut and then heated or fully cut and upset?

[JBG163]

The line is quite subtle is some area, i don't think there would be an inserted sheet of nickel or something.

The stress fracture could be possible but you can see the line cross the entire section of the blade. So i doubt it.

I also don't imagine a silver soldering, the result would not be like this.

If you check on the side of the twist, you can also see a line, resulting from a forge welding. Color and consistency are the same. That why i was thinking about a weld.

I will try to think about it tomorrow, with fresh idea

Originally Posted by Interested Party

Agreed a forge weld of a broken blade would show a scarp joint. Here are two random theories: 1. Stress fracture that opened and was welded (closed) during the forging process? 2. Silver solder of a break?

Bonus idea could the billet have been saw cut and had a sheet of the lighter metal inserted then forge welded together? Either partially cut and then heated or fully cut and upset?