What does magnetism mean on a blade?

David · 16th May 2009, 06:14 PM

I just checked a couple of keris that i exposed to a high powered magnet over a year ago which can still pick up a pin. All i did to charge these blades was to hold the tip on the magnet for less than a minute.
So why are you only going to magnetize the blades you are planning on selling?

ariel · 16th May 2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

I just checked a couple of keris that i exposed to a high powered magnet over a year ago which can still pick up a pin. All i did to charge these blades was to hold the tip on the magnet for less than a minute.
So why are you only going to magnetize the blades you are planning on selling?

They attract money:-)

David · 16th May 2009, 07:50 PM

erlikhan · 16th May 2009, 11:31 PM

Yes magnetism must attract the extra amount of money i paid for it back to me

Battara · 16th May 2009, 11:56 PM

Brass is not magnetic so yes they are probably made of steel.

And I wish I attracted money.....

Jim McDougall · 17th May 2009, 02:24 AM

This really is a fascinating topic, magnetism in the steel of edged weapons blades, and discussed some time ago in another fascinating thread initiated by Jens.
While I cannot add much to the metallurgical aspects, I do know that magnetite is a mineral often found in the iron forged into the steel used in blades. This mineral is of course allied with the mysterious magnetic lodestone, which is used in so many ways.

What puzzles me is why someone would want a blade magnetized, and I cannot think of any practical purpose, leading me as always, to wondering about superstitious or magical associations. It does seem like there is the possibility of inadvertant magnetization, but for the sake of discussion, perhaps a blade intended to be imbued with magical or potent powers, this property would be somewhat convincing.

The magnetic lodestone was included in folklore from early times, and the Spanish 'Gitanos' believed these magnetic/magical stones would keep them from drowning (if at sea) and that this mineral would make one impervious to lead or steel, obviously an attractive property in a weapon.
While this obviously derives from the Spanish gypsies, perhaps similar folk religion concepts were present throughout the widespread diffusion of these colorful people, even into Ottoman regions.

Clearly speculation intended only as food for thought on why a blade would be deliberately magnetized, and not suggesting this weapon has anything to do with Gypsies, Spaniards or anything other than an Ottoman weapon.

The interesting pattern in the deep channelling in the blade reminds me of these patterns on blades of early Italian sabres, and similar channeling I believe is present in lesser degree on Qamas from the Ottoman sphere.

It seems there have been a number of weapons described with magnetic properties in the blades, from India and I believe kerises, and I wonder if there is more to this.

All best regards,
Jim

Gavin Nugent · 17th May 2009, 02:39 AM

My understanding is that steel becomes magnetized by constant rubbing, an old school experiment from the deep dark vaults of years gone by.
I think the constant in out in out of a sheath would do this.

Gav

fearn · 17th May 2009, 02:40 AM

Hi Jim,

What's wrong with the "inherently cool" hypothesis for this phenomenon. In other words, it's kind of inherently cool to magnetize a blade, isn't it?

I've got to admit, I saw David's reply, and I'm thinking of doing that myself. It will make that shelf full of khukuris interesting to handle, though, if they all attract each other as I tried to grab one

Best,

F

17th May 2009, 02:39 AM	#7
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	My understanding My understanding is that steel becomes magnetized by constant rubbing, an old school experiment from the deep dark vaults of years gone by. I think the constant in out in out of a sheath would do this. Gav

16th May 2009, 06:14 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	I just checked a couple of keris that i exposed to a high powered magnet over a year ago which can still pick up a pin. All i did to charge these blades was to hold the tip on the magnet for less than a minute. So why are you only going to magnetize the blades you are planning on selling?

16th May 2009, 07:50 PM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218

16th May 2009, 11:31 PM	#4
erlikhan Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Istanbul Posts: 452	Yes magnetism must attract the extra amount of money i paid for it back to me

16th May 2009, 11:56 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Brass is not magnetic so yes they are probably made of steel. And I wish I attracted money.....

17th May 2009, 02:24 AM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,282	This really is a fascinating topic, magnetism in the steel of edged weapons blades, and discussed some time ago in another fascinating thread initiated by Jens. While I cannot add much to the metallurgical aspects, I do know that magnetite is a mineral often found in the iron forged into the steel used in blades. This mineral is of course allied with the mysterious magnetic lodestone, which is used in so many ways. What puzzles me is why someone would want a blade magnetized, and I cannot think of any practical purpose, leading me as always, to wondering about superstitious or magical associations. It does seem like there is the possibility of inadvertant magnetization, but for the sake of discussion, perhaps a blade intended to be imbued with magical or potent powers, this property would be somewhat convincing. The magnetic lodestone was included in folklore from early times, and the Spanish 'Gitanos' believed these magnetic/magical stones would keep them from drowning (if at sea) and that this mineral would make one impervious to lead or steel, obviously an attractive property in a weapon. While this obviously derives from the Spanish gypsies, perhaps similar folk religion concepts were present throughout the widespread diffusion of these colorful people, even into Ottoman regions. Clearly speculation intended only as food for thought on why a blade would be deliberately magnetized, and not suggesting this weapon has anything to do with Gypsies, Spaniards or anything other than an Ottoman weapon. The interesting pattern in the deep channelling in the blade reminds me of these patterns on blades of early Italian sabres, and similar channeling I believe is present in lesser degree on Qamas from the Ottoman sphere. It seems there have been a number of weapons described with magnetic properties in the blades, from India and I believe kerises, and I wonder if there is more to this. All best regards, Jim

17th May 2009, 02:40 AM	#8
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Hi Jim, What's wrong with the "inherently cool" hypothesis for this phenomenon. In other words, it's kind of inherently cool to magnetize a blade, isn't it? I've got to admit, I saw David's reply, and I'm thinking of doing that myself. It will make that shelf full of khukuris interesting to handle, though, if they all attract each other as I tried to grab one Best, F