A Strange Moro Twistcore Blade

CharlesS · 2nd July 2017, 06:34 PM

This well worn Moro blade is naturally fascinating because of it nicely defined twist core, but it has some interesting odd characteristics as well. For instance, I cannot figure out the need for the clamp and pin between the blade and ganja. I would think it would be associated with the tang, but for what?

Also, why add a fuller to the bottom half of the blade??? To me it is just a distraction from the lovely twist core. Would a fuller really lighten the blade that much. It's hard to believe that removing just that much metal could have played a major factor in the kriss's balance, but I suppose not impossible.

Ideas and comments are welcomed.

Dimensions:
Overall length(no scabbard) 29.5in.
Blade length: 24.75in.
Width of the blade for the majority of its length: 1.5in.

Battara · 2nd July 2017, 07:12 PM

What lovely twist core!

Sometimes a line is added to add strength, not by lessening of mass, but by the structure (believe it or not).

And regarding the pin, perhaps the pin is talismanic while yet functional. It could even be the metal to be incorporated is talismanic as well.

kino · 3rd July 2017, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I cannot figure out the need for the clamp and pin between the blade and ganja. I would think it would be associated with the tang, but for what?

I believe the kris was refitted with a new tang. Clamped and pinned to secure the new tang.
A very nice catch BTW. I like that dark jungayan pommel.

CharlesS · 3rd July 2017, 11:20 AM

Kino,

Thanks for the input. Though Battara may very well be correct, I , like you, tend to lean in the direction of the clamp being tang related. The location of it is just too coincidental.

Lee · 3rd July 2017, 12:15 PM

This is a very nice kris and it reminds me of the one I presented recently in the details of the pattern-welding. I will be curious to learn the impressions of the membership about the origin and age of this kris.

Rick · 3rd July 2017, 03:24 PM

I acquired one of these krisses some years ago; albeit without the apparent tang repair. I have searched for the post without success; it could have been a brother to Charles' blade.
I have trouble understanding why a tang on a sword like this could break accidentally being something obviously created by a very talented smith.

Possibly the damage was done by Colonial forces with an eye toward rendering it useless; but why not just confiscate the weapon instead.

Sajen · 3rd July 2017, 05:31 PM

Hello Charles,

very nice catch! Congrats!!

I think that we see a tang repair here, have a look to this old thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ight=moro+kris
This kris is now in my possession. Regarding the fuller I direct remember this one wich was recently sold by ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Kniv...p2047675.l2557
Also the pommel is very similar to yours.

Best regards,
Detlef

2nd July 2017, 06:34 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	A Strange Moro Twistcore Blade This well worn Moro blade is naturally fascinating because of it nicely defined twist core, but it has some interesting odd characteristics as well. For instance, I cannot figure out the need for the clamp and pin between the blade and ganja. I would think it would be associated with the tang, but for what? Also, why add a fuller to the bottom half of the blade??? To me it is just a distraction from the lovely twist core. Would a fuller really lighten the blade that much. It's hard to believe that removing just that much metal could have played a major factor in the kriss's balance, but I suppose not impossible. Ideas and comments are welcomed. Dimensions: Overall length(no scabbard) 29.5in. Blade length: 24.75in. Width of the blade for the majority of its length: 1.5in. Attached Images

2nd July 2017, 07:12 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	What lovely twist core! Sometimes a line is added to add strength, not by lessening of mass, but by the structure (believe it or not). And regarding the pin, perhaps the pin is talismanic while yet functional. It could even be the metal to be incorporated is talismanic as well.

3rd July 2017, 11:20 AM	#4
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Kino, Thanks for the input. Though Battara may very well be correct, I , like you, tend to lean in the direction of the clamp being tang related. The location of it is just too coincidental.

3rd July 2017, 12:15 PM	#5
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 887	This is a very nice kris and it reminds me of the one I presented recently in the details of the pattern-welding. I will be curious to learn the impressions of the membership about the origin and age of this kris.

3rd July 2017, 03:24 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	I acquired one of these krisses some years ago; albeit without the apparent tang repair. I have searched for the post without success; it could have been a brother to Charles' blade. I have trouble understanding why a tang on a sword like this could break accidentally being something obviously created by a very talented smith. Possibly the damage was done by Colonial forces with an eye toward rendering it useless; but why not just confiscate the weapon instead.

3rd July 2017, 05:31 PM	#7
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,468	Hello Charles, very nice catch! Congrats!! I think that we see a tang repair here, have a look to this old thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ight=moro+kris This kris is now in my possession. Regarding the fuller I direct remember this one wich was recently sold by ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Kniv...p2047675.l2557 Also the pommel is very similar to yours. Best regards, Detlef