Question about preserving a keris

Bob A · 1st February 2022, 09:30 PM

For preservation of ferrous metals, I've long used a product called "Eezox" which is comprised of a solvent/carrier with cleaning properties, dissolved in which there is a surface protectant, left behind when the solvent evaporates. I use it on firearms, swords and knives of various types. If the object is to be stored, I give it a light coat of Renaissance Wax, which serves to seal against moisture even more.

I have not used Eezox on keris, as I'm not sure of its effect on surfaces layered in differing metals. Nor does Ren Wax seem appropriate on keris, given the occasional roughened surfaces.

Someone did extensive anti-corrosion testing, using 46 different products. The results were interesting, though the testing environment is not one I'd imagine any of my objects being exposed to:

https://dayattherange.com/?page_id=3667

A. G. Maisey · 1st February 2022, 10:11 PM

I had a look at that Bob, really impressive.

But where keris are concerned I like to use an aromatic oil, my preference is a mix of a base oil, usually medicinal paraffin or Singer sewing machine oil, and the sandalwood oil with a touch of kenongo oil. But in Jawa, although my mix is probably the most frequently encountered, some people will use other aromatic oils, such as rose, or jasmin.

The reason I like to use aromatic oil is threefold, I like the smell, I don't want to insult any presence that might be in the blade (just because I cannot detect a presence doesn't mean that there is none), and lastly:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRdfX7ut8gw

1st February 2022, 09:30 PM	#1
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 443	For preservation of ferrous metals, I've long used a product called "Eezox" which is comprised of a solvent/carrier with cleaning properties, dissolved in which there is a surface protectant, left behind when the solvent evaporates. I use it on firearms, swords and knives of various types. If the object is to be stored, I give it a light coat of Renaissance Wax, which serves to seal against moisture even more. I have not used Eezox on keris, as I'm not sure of its effect on surfaces layered in differing metals. Nor does Ren Wax seem appropriate on keris, given the occasional roughened surfaces. Someone did extensive anti-corrosion testing, using 46 different products. The results were interesting, though the testing environment is not one I'd imagine any of my objects being exposed to: https://dayattherange.com/?page_id=3667

1st February 2022, 10:11 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,056	I had a look at that Bob, really impressive. But where keris are concerned I like to use an aromatic oil, my preference is a mix of a base oil, usually medicinal paraffin or Singer sewing machine oil, and the sandalwood oil with a touch of kenongo oil. But in Jawa, although my mix is probably the most frequently encountered, some people will use other aromatic oils, such as rose, or jasmin. The reason I like to use aromatic oil is threefold, I like the smell, I don't want to insult any presence that might be in the blade (just because I cannot detect a presence doesn't mean that there is none), and lastly:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRdfX7ut8gw