Tourist kampilan or unusual hilt?

[carlos]

Finally I won the auction, I have received swords, the kampilan has a strong blade, but unfortunatelly the last owner change color of blade, with nickel, and now the blade bright. someone knows how I can erase this nickel?
thanks
best regards
carlos

[kronckew]

use google, search on "removing nickel plating". brings up a a wealth of info. you probably should be carful to use a method that will not attack the steel.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by carlos

someone knows how I can erase this nickel?

Pictures never tell the real story but I doubt this sword was plated with nickel. For hundreds of years "Luwa Iron" was produced in Sulawesi/Celebes. According to Pelras (The Burgis) this steel had a high nickel content & was valued through the archipelago before European influences. Before European scrap metal hit the scene, much of the welded/pamor blades included Luwa.
The Bugis controlled the Spice trade, before the Europeans, often using high nickel content steel, as well, sword blades for trade. Also remember, metals in this area are constantly recycled. The high nickel content, I believe helps a lot of these swords from rusting.
Variations of the kampilan are found throughout the Moluccas & Banda Sea area.
Your sword is not a tourist item.
Previous owner probably steel wooled your sword to remove the blackening.
You could experiment by using some week acids to darken the blade, if you choose.

[carlos]

Thanks all for the information, Bill , your answer have made me more happy!!! , this information is very good to me!!
best regards
carlos