Mandau With Questions

[Dajak]

Originally Posted by Robert

Hello Dajak, I hate to disagree with you on the craftsmanship of the rattan binding, but if you had it in hand you would see that it is just as nice as that on the one you have shown. As this was supposed to be a WWII bring back I do not believe that the varnish was put on it to try to hide anything but was applied to help protect it as was the fashion of the time.

Best,
Robert

If you clean the rattan with with nail remover with out oil than we can see.

use ear sticks with little remover.

the other thing the rattan is for have an good hold on it if you cover it with resigin it will be slippery in your hands ......I was in the jungle at the Mahakam
if it is like that you have no good hold just think about that......

it will be different.

Dajak

[asomotif]

Originally Posted by Dajak

If you clean the rattan with with nail remover with out oil than we can see.

use ear sticks with little remover.

the other thing the rattan is for have an good hold on it if you cover it with resigin it will be slippery in your hands ......I was in the jungle at the Mahakam
if it is like that you have no good hold just think about that......

it will be different.

Dajak

Always good to know, I don't want a mandau with a slippery grip.
I live in the urban jungle

[Robert]

If you clean the rattan with with nail remover with out oil than we can see.

Thank you very much for the advice on how to hopefully remove the varnish from the rattan weaving on the hilt without causing damage. As I have other items that have had varnish applied as an overall protectant, I believe that I will try the method you have suggested on one or more of them before I try it on this piece.

Best,
Robert

[kai]

Hello Ben,

If you clean the rattan with with nail remover with out oil than we can see.

Is there a reason why you suggest nail remover without oil? Wouldn't that make the rattan very brittle?

Robert, what kind of varnish has commonly been utilized in the US? Maybe alcohol will do and be a bit gentler on the rattan?

Thanks for any input!

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

I've used acetone for a similar problem with very good result. After the removing I've oiled the cleaned parts.
See attached pictures, first picture show a barong handle from my collection, the complete sword was covered with an unknown coating (not shellac), the second one the cleaned handle.