Tangkitn / Pandat with motive

[Battara]

Wonderful blade! I didn't know that this motif was common in Indonesia, I usually see this on Balinese blades.

The metal inlay looks like silver!

Please show pics of the whole piece.

[kino]

What’s the best way of removing the red rust from this blade without compromising the silver inlays?

[David]

Kino, i'm not really seeing much red rust on this blade. If there is some minor surface rust i would go at it with some WD-40 and a toothbrush.

[kino]

Originally Posted by David

Kino, i'm not really seeing much red rust on this blade. If there is some minor surface rust i would go at it with some WD-40 and a toothbrush.

I tried the toothbrush and WD-40 method before and was unsuccessful. I was tempted to use fine steel wool but I’m afraid of the possibility of snagging an inlay.

This looks like red rust to me. Photo is blurry.

[werecow]

Could EDTA gel work maybe?

See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhzNttK_-ko

He says it works on a tulwar with koftgari:

https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxPCh...NeHHJ0hiXzBMGr

The EDTA gel seems to work on koftgari. Modified with sodium bicarbonate to slightly above neutral pH, did not affect the cross-hatching or iron oxides below the koftgari.

The silver overlay remained grey after gel removal but rapidly brightened when wiped with oil. Two or three gentle passes of a paper towel, in circular motions, and the silver oxidation was removed.

[Rafngard]

Just for another example of this pattern, I have a wedung with a very similar inlay, though it's brass rather than silver.

Thanks,
Leif

[David]

Originally Posted by Rafngard

Just for another example of this pattern, I have a wedung with a very similar inlay, though it's brass rather than silver.

Thanks,
Leif

That's a rather strange wedhung. I have seen these inlay patterns on what people mistakenly call "Balinese Wedhung", but never on a true Javanese wedhung. Your blade is not quite correct for a Javanese wedhung. It shows no wideng for instance and the shape blade profile is close, but not quite right to Javanese forms. But the sheath is clearly from a Javanese wedhung. Were these married at a later date with the blade possibly being from Bali? Do you have any info on its origin?

[David]

Originally Posted by kino

I tried the toothbrush and WD-40 method before and was unsuccessful. I was tempted to use fine steel wool but I’m afraid of the possibility of snagging an inlay.

This looks like red rust to me. Photo is blurry.

I don't see the rust in the photo, but if you see firsthand i don't doubt you.
I would try spraying on WD-40 and really letting it soak in for a bit before brushing.
As for steel wool, 0000 or even 000 grade should not cause any damage, at least not in my experience. As always, work slowly and carefully.

[David]

Originally Posted by Battara

Wonderful blade! I didn't know that this motif was common in Indonesia, I usually see this on Balinese blades.

But Jose, Bali is IN Indonesia.