Identifying Pamor for a First Keris

Rick · 11th May 2019, 01:08 AM

Saint Michael's flamboyant sword aside; if you want to see the keris in classic European art check out The Blinding of Samson by Rembrandt.

I understand enthusiasm; but learn more about this weapon form and its meaning within the culture before spending too much hard earned cash.
An educated buyer ends up happier in the long run.

"I read that an odd green color showing in the sunlight is a sign of meteorite. I'll have a good idea when the blade is thoroughly clean."

Well, this is not true; what you have been doing to the blade by cleaning is actually removing the original stain that the blade was given.

QuisUtDeus · 11th May 2019, 05:34 AM

This is my first time learning about swords at all. Thanks for the flamboyant sword reference! It helps a lot. Things make better sense, now.

I'm sorry if I bother anyone with my customization ideas. I wouldn't dare do such a thing to a beautifully put together piece. The one I got is already mixed up, so I don't see anything wrong with experimenting. I'm learning through deconstruction, I suppose. It's my nature to work backwards.

If I've removed the original stain, it's ok. The rust and gunk really bothers me. I can find a way to stain the blade again, I'm sure. I leave the country every so often.

Don't worry about bursting bubbles. It just means more learning for me. I might buy a meteorite ring to act as a mendak. It is a really powerful substance.

Do you think the following arsenic will work? It seems to be available for sale online.

QuisUtDeus · 11th May 2019, 05:41 AM

Sorry! I really messed up the measurement. I meant in inches about 13.5. Cm is about 34.5.

JustYS · 11th May 2019, 09:39 AM

Hi QuisUtDeus,

I just started collecting Keris like yourself, so probably cannot comment too much, but I like your Keris.

It seems that you have what we call a dwiwarno pamor (combination of 2 pamors in one Keris). One is Beras Wutah, the other not so sure maybe Ilining Warih, maybe Wengkon.

Cheers,

Yohan

David · 11th May 2019, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustYS

It seems that you have what we call a dwiwarno pamor (combination of 2 pamors in one Keris). One is Beras Wutah, the other not so sure maybe Ilining Warih, maybe Wengkon.

Sorry Yohan, but i do not see dwi warno pamor here.

JustYS · 11th May 2019, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Sorry Yohan, but i do not see dwi warno pamor here.

Ok my bad, I thought I saw dwiwarno pamor from the first photo, but yes the photo is not very clear.

Cheers,

Yohan

QuisUtDeus · 11th May 2019, 04:30 PM

The forum experience has been excellent! Thanks all!

If I get addicted enough to the hobby I'll take a trip to Indonesia during my next vacation to the Philippines. It must only be an hour or two away. I can wait to get a custom fit scabbard until then. I'll get the blade stained again if I like. I'm very fond of the food and kretek cigars, already. My cousin says the mestiza girls are pretty. I've found a lot of great books available there I'd like to buy.

I'm at work again. I can't wait to get off and see what more comes up here!

Thanks, everyone.

Jean · 11th May 2019, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuisUtDeus

Sorry! I really messed up the measurement. I meant in inches about 13.5. Cm is about 34.5.

34.5 cm is a bit short for 20th century Bali/ Lombok blades but older blades used to be in this size range. It is unfortunate that the blade & scabbard are not matching well, but the blade is not that short as compared to the scabbard for a balinese kris.
Regards

David · 11th May 2019, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

34.5 cm is a bit short for 20th century Bali/ Lombok blades but older blades used to be in this size range.

How old are you willing to consider this blade Jean? Most last 19th century Bali/Lombok blades tend to be 15 inches at least. There are, of course, exceptions. If you are not attaching greater age than that to this blade perhaps it is neither Bali nor Lombok.

Jean · 11th May 2019, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuisUtDeus

Do you think the following arsenic will work? It seems to be available for sale online.

This is not arsenic trioxide as it should be?

Regards

David · 11th May 2019, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuisUtDeus

Do you think the following arsenic will work? It seems to be available for sale online.

The short answer here in no.
As Jean has pointed out, what you need is laboratory grade arsenic trioxide. It comes in a crystalline/powdered form. Last time i checked it runs about $160 for a 5gm jar (smallest size). But you generally need special licensing to purchase it.

11th May 2019, 01:08 AM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	Saint Michael's flamboyant sword aside; if you want to see the keris in classic European art check out The Blinding of Samson by Rembrandt. I understand enthusiasm; but learn more about this weapon form and its meaning within the culture before spending too much hard earned cash. An educated buyer ends up happier in the long run. "I read that an odd green color showing in the sunlight is a sign of meteorite. I'll have a good idea when the blade is thoroughly clean." Well, this is not true; what you have been doing to the blade by cleaning is actually removing the original stain that the blade was given. Last edited by Rick; 11th May 2019 at 01:27 AM.

11th May 2019, 05:34 AM	#2
QuisUtDeus Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 30	This is my first time learning about swords at all. Thanks for the flamboyant sword reference! It helps a lot. Things make better sense, now. I'm sorry if I bother anyone with my customization ideas. I wouldn't dare do such a thing to a beautifully put together piece. The one I got is already mixed up, so I don't see anything wrong with experimenting. I'm learning through deconstruction, I suppose. It's my nature to work backwards. If I've removed the original stain, it's ok. The rust and gunk really bothers me. I can find a way to stain the blade again, I'm sure. I leave the country every so often. Don't worry about bursting bubbles. It just means more learning for me. I might buy a meteorite ring to act as a mendak. It is a really powerful substance. Do you think the following arsenic will work? It seems to be available for sale online. Attached Images

11th May 2019, 05:41 AM	#3
QuisUtDeus Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 30	Sorry! I really messed up the measurement. I meant in inches about 13.5. Cm is about 34.5.

11th May 2019, 09:39 AM	#4
JustYS Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Posts: 146	Hi QuisUtDeus, I just started collecting Keris like yourself, so probably cannot comment too much, but I like your Keris. It seems that you have what we call a dwiwarno pamor (combination of 2 pamors in one Keris). One is Beras Wutah, the other not so sure maybe Ilining Warih, maybe Wengkon. Cheers, Yohan

11th May 2019, 04:30 PM	#7
QuisUtDeus Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 30	The forum experience has been excellent! Thanks all! If I get addicted enough to the hobby I'll take a trip to Indonesia during my next vacation to the Philippines. It must only be an hour or two away. I can wait to get a custom fit scabbard until then. I'll get the blade stained again if I like. I'm very fond of the food and kretek cigars, already. My cousin says the mestiza girls are pretty. I've found a lot of great books available there I'd like to buy. I'm at work again. I can't wait to get off and see what more comes up here! Thanks, everyone.