removing clear varnish from a old blade

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by milandro

I was wondering what is the general advice on removing varnish (why do people do this? ) from an old blade

Is there a product ( and how to apply) which would be safe enough as to protect patina and do not damage the blade (and visible layers)

Hello Milandro,

It depends on the used varnish. You can try benzine (for lighters) which works well with shellac for example, acetone works by other varnish, by others turpentine. With all three liquids you can't harm the blade. By wood or other natural materials you have to try it carefully on a not visible place.
I have done it many times, don't be afraid to harm the blade.
What you do mean by patina? Dirt and rust is not patina. But some blades get over time a black surface, strictly speaking also rust, don't be removed by a cleaning like this, it will become a little bit more shiny maybe because you have washed away dirt and loose rust but it will stay black, I guess that you mean this by patina.
Attached a close-up from a blade with such a black surface and was cleaned once from a varnish.

Regards,
Detlef

[milandro]

thank you! I will try , kind regards Detlef much obliged

[werecow]

Originally Posted by Sajen

It depends on the used varnish. You can try benzine (for lighters) which works well with shellac for example, acetone works by other varnish, by others turpentine. With all three liquids you can't harm the blade. By wood or other natural materials you have to try it carefully on a not visible place.

I have a kabeala that has been varnished in its entirety, including the blade and the wood(?) of the hilt and scabbard, rattan bindings and all. It wasn't expensive, but nevertheless, what can happen to the wood with this way of cleaning, worst case scenario?

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by werecow

I have a kabeala that has been varnished in its entirety, including the blade and the wood(?) of the hilt and scabbard, rattan bindings and all. It wasn't expensive, but nevertheless, what can happen to the wood with this way of cleaning, worst case scenario?

Try it carefully with one of the liquids at a not visible place, I've done it before without harming the material. When you have removed the varnish, polish it with oil, I use linseed oil and polish it with a soft cloth, normally it works without any harm to the material.

Regards,
Detlef

[werecow]

Alright, thanks for the pointers!

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by werecow

Alright, thanks for the pointers!

You're welcome! BTW, it's a nice Kabeala, nice grain to the wooden handle. Attached is my own, similar example.

Regards,
Detlef

[werecow]

Originally Posted by Sajen

You're welcome! BTW, it's a nice Kabeala, nice grain to the wooden handle. Attached is my own, similar example.

Regards,
Detlef

Ah, that is almost identical! Do you have any more information on it by any chance (age, etc)?

[JoeCanada42]

I recently cleaned a Mandau, and it came out very nice, maybe it was varnished of some sort in the past. I have read that once a year ceremonialy the blade was coated with oils etc. likely that ritual was also for reasons to protect the blade

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by werecow

Ah, that is almost identical! Do you have any more information on it by any chance (age, etc)?

Kabealas are still in use on Sumba so you can find quiet recent/vintage examples in nearly identical appearance. I get my one from a friend in GB, judging by the wear and patination I guess around WWII or short before.
It was shown before in this thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=kabeala

Regards,
Detlef

[gp]

Originally Posted by werecow

I have a kabeala that has been varnished in its entirety, including the blade and the wood(?) of the hilt and scabbard, rattan bindings and all. It wasn't expensive, but nevertheless, what can happen to the wood with this way of cleaning, worst case scenario?

send you a PM

have a nice WE

Gunar