Pattern Welding Kampilan and Kris

[JBG163]

Pattern welded : use of two different steel with different characteristics to produce a contrast (like keris)

Laminated/forge folded : use of bloomed steel, forge folded several times to purify it. The position of the bloom, in the furnace, will not be homogeneous in terms of carbon content. Which will produce different coloration during etching. Also, several layer can be seen (like Japanese sword). Not that if you use two different forge folded steel ingot with different amount of carbon and different composition, you can make a pattern welded blade.

Wootz steel : crucible steel, made in a graphite crucible. It’s the composition + heating/cooling process which will give it the characteristics.

[Battara]

Ariel - usually the edges that are dark are due to tempering.

Indio_Ira - It seems so far that kampilans with hair are ceremonial.

[ariel]

Kai and Battara,
Guys, that’s exactly what I had in mind and was saying about the kris presented here: dark edges due to tempering.

[JBG163]

Originally Posted by ariel

Kai and Battara,
Guys, that’s exactly what I had in mind and was saying about the kris presented here: dark edges due to tempering.

Seems the two responses are good. The kris shows a harder steel use for the edge (darker because of the better carbon content than the rest) plus the quench line. You can see that variation of the quench line go above the harder edge, especially on the tip

[kai]

Originally Posted by JBG163

Seems the two responses are good. The kris shows a harder steel use for the edge (darker because of the better carbon content than the rest) plus the quench line. You can see that variation of the quench line go above the harder edge, especially on the tip

Yes, Julien - the quench is quite extensive and tends to extend past the steel layer.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Ariel,

that’s exactly what I had in mind and was saying about the kris presented here: dark edges due to tempering.

Well, these blades are most certainly not tempered. The central steel layer is certainly higher carbon steel with at least the edges hardened; it's tough to establish whether these got differentially hardened/quenched though. Indonesian/Malay Keris are usually water quenched by dipping the distal third to 2 thirds into water - I have yet to see a Moro kris with the same tell-tale v-shape discolouration. However, this is also not commonly seen on keris and the larger size of the Moro kris may dissipate heat resulting in more gradual transition between hardened and non-hardened areas.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Jose,

It seems so far that kampilans with hair are ceremonial.

I would agree them being status pieces. Considering kampilans with hair being the overwhelming majority among antique examples, they very likely were put to other uses, too (i.e. well beyond purely ceremonial function).

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Ira,

That's a really nice 19th century kampilan! (Let me know whenever you decide to part with it, please. )

Are you sure the blade is "only" 1/4 inch thick? (Looks like it might be thicker...)

The blade most likely would benefit from a gentle polish and etch. Certainly laminated with hardened edge; many exhibit nice laminations/patterns, too.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Ira,

IMHO, this Moro kris (blade and hilt) originates from the early 20th century.

While 20" is really short, the blade sure looks Maguindanao (as does the scabbard). The pommel (it certainly deserves the missing silver band to be replaced) might be pointing to the upper Cota Bato area.

Regards,
Kai

[Battara]

Kai one correction - I have seen many that do not have hair holes, in fact, I would say there are more without hair holes than with.

You do make a good point though that those ceremonial/status kampilans are still usable in practical use (and some have been).

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Battara

Kai one correction - I have seen many that do not have hair holes, in fact, I would say there are more without hair holes than with.

You do make a good point though that those ceremonial/status kampilans are still usable in practical use (and some have been).

Agree with battara. Most kampilan did not have holes for (horse) hair plugs. Perhaps some of the more ceremonial/decorative variety with plugs (+/- hair) have survived the test of time better and found their way into current collections. Looking at pictures of caches of weapons seized by U.S. forces after battles or confiscated by proclamation show most kampilan lacked hair plugs.

[David]

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Ira,

IMHO, this Moro kris (blade and hilt) originates from the early 20th century.

While 20" is really short, the blade sure looks Maguindanao (as does the scabbard).

I'm not sure that 20" is really short for this era. I don't own this one anymore, but the blade here was only 18". I have seen a fair number of keris from around the turn to the 20th century that also have blades in the range of 20".

http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...highlight=Kris

[kai]

Hello Julien,

Pattern welded : use of two different steel with different characteristics to produce a contrast (like keris)

D'accord.

Pattern welding is probably more defined by the intention of the blade smith rather than actual contrast achieved though: In many cultures a more subdued contrast was appreciated compared to the bold pamor often seen with keris Jawa/Bali. Also the method to visualize the contrast varies widely (high polish in Japan vs topographic etch, warangan stain vs patina from use, etc.).

Laminated/forge folded : use of bloomed steel, forge folded several times to purify it. The position of the bloom, in the furnace, will not be homogeneous in terms of carbon content. Which will produce different coloration during etching. Also, several layer can be seen (like Japanese sword).

Quite often the contrast is also due to phosphate, nickel, or other differences between alloys. (While bloomery steel is historically most relevant, also other sources/alloys can be welded to produce laminated steel.)

Regards,
Kai