Thank you again for your invaluable insight
That thread indeed was a fascinating read! Especially as this is closer to my own initial interest of damascus steel, forged and appreciated solely for the art of steel making
I am not sure if photographs of non-ethnological things are allowed, but I could give you an example if they were. Incredible to think that you not only met these people, but were even trained by them, Mr. Maisey. I also thank you for your deeper explanation of the meaning of empu. I would like to point out that going by the old Javanese meaning I think I might be able to find someone here who will agree with me that you are "a gentleman, a well respected member of the community"
But I understand your rejection of the modern meaning, which was the one I meant of course, not having been aware of the old meaning yet.
Mr. Maisey, your input leads to a very humbling realisation... it seems if I really and truely want to understand all about keris, I would have to be reborn, ideally in Java, and go start studying way earlier than I did in this incarnation. It is however a fascinating subject, I like the psychological aspect of it all connected with the craftsmanship. I also like the metallurgical aspect more and more the more I learn about that, very interesting
I may never be able to fully understand this strange world I stumbled into recently, but as for now there is still a lot more to be learned and I am working on reading up on it all as best as I can, with the internet as my only source for now, as time permits. Thanks for helping me learn so much more and giving me those valuable pointers
it's tough to sift through things written over decades, you guys have been active here for quite a while. Also, David, if you like smokey single malts, allow me to recommend some Ardbeg Uigeadail, that is a topic I am more familiar with than keris
Is there anything more one of you can tell me about the pamor pattern on my keris? It is sleeping under the patina, but I think due to the groves from the etching it should be visible enough maybe to give it a name?
I can't make a guess, this is so new to me... But as I said, I'm in it for the patterns
I'd appreciate a Bob Kramer knife as well, not that I own any. I do not want to direspect keris in any way, just pointing out my usual interest would be "pretty damascus steel patterns". Hence my special interest in the keris pattern
If any more pictures would be needed to better judge it, I'll be happy to try and provide better shots
Also: should any attempt be made to unwind the cord from the pesi to check for rust or possible markings? I haven't touched that at all yet and don't think I should?
Thank you very much again