Is this a common Arab Saif ?

Martin Lubojacky · 22nd March 2018, 09:16 PM

Fernando, I would also be interested in some good "unpolishing methods". Maybe fine pemza powder mixed with oil or water ?

Tatyana Dianova · 23rd March 2018, 09:51 AM

Fernando: it is not a common Arabian Saif, but one of the best Saifs I have ever seen! A great sword, congratulations!
I would like to add my humble example to the thread since this thread shows many reference examples. What makes it specially interesting is a blade with yelman.
You may try for "unpolishing" a very fine sandpaper with 2000 grit or a 0000 steel wool.

fernando · 23rd March 2018, 01:22 PM

Thank you for your kind words and the pictures of your excelent example, Tatiana.
Thank you also for the unpolishing suggestions.
Martin's idea for wet/oiled pumice powder would be a different method.
Eventually my local silver smith also suggests steel wool or, as alternative, a (dishwashing) green scourer pad.
In any case, i am not yet ready for such adventure and for the meantime, will leave it as it is.

.

Kubur · 23rd March 2018, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

In any case, i am not yet ready for such adventure and for the meantime, will leave it as it is.
.

Yes i think you should let it as it is.
IMHO!!!

Lee · 23rd March 2018, 02:44 PM

From the photo above it is also obvious that the Royal Armouries wisely chose to leave the high polish on their example alone.

fernando · 23rd March 2018, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

From the photo above it is also obvious that the Royal Armouries wisely chose to leave the high polish on their example alone.

Wise words Lee ... and a perfect solution

.

Richard G · 23rd March 2018, 09:02 PM

I have seen a few of these. A polished or burnished blade is not uncommon, and for that matter common to many Arab swords. I think it is most probably how the original owners would have wanted it, so beyond cleaning, I would leave it as it is.
Best wishes
Richard

RAMBA · 2nd March 2020, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

From the photo above it is also obvious that the Royal Armouries wisely chose to leave the high polish on their example alone.

"Unpolish" at one's peril. I would not touch it.

Kubur · 23rd March 2018, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tatyana Dianova

I would like to add my humble example to the thread since this thread shows many reference examples. What makes it specially interesting is a blade with yelman.

Your sword is very interesting, a combinaison of Yemeni and Zanzibari swords...
With an imported Indian / Afghan blade (these blades have a yelman).

Martin Lubojacky · 23rd March 2018, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tatyana Dianova

Fernando: it is not a common Arabian Saif, but one of the best Saifs I have ever seen! A great sword, congratulations!
I would like to add my humble example to the thread since this thread shows many reference examples. What makes it specially interesting is a blade with yelman.
You may try for "unpolishing" a very fine sandpaper with 2000 grit or a 0000 steel wool.

Hi Tatyana,
Dissadvantage of the fine sandpaper (e.g. 2000) is, that when/if its surface is choked - you are starting to polish (instead of unpolish). On the other side - if the paper is new, you risk scratches (even in the case of 2000 grit) visible from certain angles. That´s why the fine pumice stone powder on the wet/oily and soft mussy textile should be (only my opinion) more regardful and should give steadier result... I think

23rd March 2018, 09:51 AM	#2
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 736	Fernando: it is not a common Arabian Saif, but one of the best Saifs I have ever seen! A great sword, congratulations! I would like to add my humble example to the thread since this thread shows many reference examples. What makes it specially interesting is a blade with yelman. You may try for "unpolishing" a very fine sandpaper with 2000 grit or a 0000 steel wool. Attached Images

22nd March 2018, 09:16 PM	#1
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Fernando, I would also be interested in some good "unpolishing methods". Maybe fine pemza powder mixed with oil or water ?

23rd March 2018, 01:22 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thank you for your kind words and the pictures of your excelent example, Tatiana. Thank you also for the unpolishing suggestions. Martin's idea for wet/oiled pumice powder would be a different method. Eventually my local silver smith also suggests steel wool or, as alternative, a (dishwashing) green scourer pad. In any case, i am not yet ready for such adventure and for the meantime, will leave it as it is. .

23rd March 2018, 02:44 PM	#5
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 937	From the photo above it is also obvious that the Royal Armouries wisely chose to leave the high polish on their example alone.

23rd March 2018, 09:02 PM	#7
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 411	I have seen a few of these. A polished or burnished blade is not uncommon, and for that matter common to many Arab swords. I think it is most probably how the original owners would have wanted it, so beyond cleaning, I would leave it as it is. Best wishes Richard