Java dress questions and translation

A. G. Maisey · 4th July 2023, 09:29 PM

Superb, the work of a master.

In respect of the hilt.

We're used to seeing keris hilts in an agreed orientation.

That agreement is something that is correct for dress and it suits well the rapier grip.

However, the most useful grip for close combat is the reverse grip, that is, the grip that was used on the Keris Buda. This grip allows immense power to be delivered to the point, and is ideal for a situation where combat has become something like cage fighting, but one hand has a sharp pointy thing in it.

In fact, with the reverse grip you have several blows available with a single hand, you can punch, you can use the pommel, & you can use the blade.

With the reverse grip on a dagger you need to be able to support the edge of your hand, on a keris, the gonjo provides this support when the reverse grip is used.

If this keris was mine, I would apply heat to the sorsoran --- a candle or small kerosene lamp will do it, but a heat gun with a small nozzle is cleaner --- and I would remove the hilt and check what adhesive has been used to glue the grip to the tang. If it is a modern adhesive, I'd put the hilt into the agreed "correct" position, if it is jabung, or some other native adhesive, I'd put the hilt back in place in its original position.

In removing the hilt I would proceed slowly and gently, the hilt might not move because of rust, the rust might have weakened the tang. We do not want to break that tang, so, slowly, gently, not too strong in the wrist.

4th July 2023, 09:29 PM	#15
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,992	Superb, the work of a master. In respect of the hilt. We're used to seeing keris hilts in an agreed orientation. That agreement is something that is correct for dress and it suits well the rapier grip. However, the most useful grip for close combat is the reverse grip, that is, the grip that was used on the Keris Buda. This grip allows immense power to be delivered to the point, and is ideal for a situation where combat has become something like cage fighting, but one hand has a sharp pointy thing in it. In fact, with the reverse grip you have several blows available with a single hand, you can punch, you can use the pommel, & you can use the blade. With the reverse grip on a dagger you need to be able to support the edge of your hand, on a keris, the gonjo provides this support when the reverse grip is used. If this keris was mine, I would apply heat to the sorsoran --- a candle or small kerosene lamp will do it, but a heat gun with a small nozzle is cleaner --- and I would remove the hilt and check what adhesive has been used to glue the grip to the tang. If it is a modern adhesive, I'd put the hilt into the agreed "correct" position, if it is jabung, or some other native adhesive, I'd put the hilt back in place in its original position. In removing the hilt I would proceed slowly and gently, the hilt might not move because of rust, the rust might have weakened the tang. We do not want to break that tang, so, slowly, gently, not too strong in the wrist.