My first Moro Kris stain attempt

Bill M · 4th October 2006, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Is it just me or do others think as well that this might be a really nice kris from one of the Lumad groups? From my observations, the carvings at the gangya area appear atypical for Moro designs. Especially the weird file work around the "elephant/eagle mouth" as well as the rather short & stubby other side of the gangya seem to be more consistent with other Lumad examples.

Could someone of the more knowledgeable folks comment on the hilt carvings, please? Any hints here?

BTW, Bill, can you ascertain that the gangya is separate?

Regards,
Kai

Kia,

I would really like to know more about this piece. The ganga IS separate. I also have a scabbard that looks like the handle carving. Unfortunately the scabbard is brokena nd has pieces missing.

I did re-stain it tonight, but forgot about heating the blade first, so the stain did not work very well. Cleaned and neutralized it (baking sods?), rinsed and dried it carefully. Will work on it some more tomorrow night.

Bill

kai · 4th October 2006, 03:37 AM

Hello Bill,

Thanks for confirming the separate gangya! In which direction is the grain of the gangya steel?

Quote:

I also have a scabbard that looks like the handle carving. Unfortunately the scabbard is brokena nd has pieces missing.

Please post it, too! May yield some more clues...

Regards,
Kai

Ferguson · 4th October 2006, 05:23 PM

Bill,
This is probably a stupid question, but are you sure the gangya is separate? In your (very good) pictures, it looks like it could just be an incised line. Either way, it's a fine piece!

Here's a pic of my carved hilt sundang with an attached gangya. Mine has sloppy engraving of the line, but a nice pattern welded blade, and nice wood.

Steve

David · 4th October 2006, 06:43 PM

Hi Bill. I am also having a problem seeing you gangya as seperate, espicial when i try to look closely at the point where the line meets the elephant trunk. It sure looks like an etched line to me. (scratches head)

Bill M · 4th October 2006, 07:35 PM

Upon close inspection, the gangya is not separate. Sure looked like it until I got really close. See pics.

Ferguson -- Looks like the hilt was made by the same guy or shop as mine.

Mine does seem to have a laminated blade. Still staining.

any other info you can tell me or want from me?

Ian · 4th October 2006, 07:39 PM

Hi Bill:

Looks like mid-20th C. or a little later Sulu work on the hilt and scabbard, probably Tausug.

Ian.

Battara · 4th October 2006, 09:34 PM

I agree with Ian and also say that the ganga is not separate, but incised.

4th October 2006, 07:35 PM	#5
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Upon close inspection, the gangya is not separate. Sure looked like it until I got really close. See pics. Ferguson -- Looks like the hilt was made by the same guy or shop as mine. Mine does seem to have a laminated blade. Still staining. any other info you can tell me or want from me? Attached Images

4th October 2006, 05:23 PM	#3
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Bill, This is probably a stupid question, but are you sure the gangya is separate? In your (very good) pictures, it looks like it could just be an incised line. Either way, it's a fine piece! Here's a pic of my carved hilt sundang with an attached gangya. Mine has sloppy engraving of the line, but a nice pattern welded blade, and nice wood. Steve

4th October 2006, 06:43 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,250	Hi Bill. I am also having a problem seeing you gangya as seperate, espicial when i try to look closely at the point where the line meets the elephant trunk. It sure looks like an etched line to me. (scratches head)

4th October 2006, 07:39 PM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,523	Hi Bill: Looks like mid-20th C. or a little later Sulu work on the hilt and scabbard, probably Tausug. Ian.

4th October 2006, 09:34 PM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	I agree with Ian and also say that the ganga is not separate, but incised.