Bunti wood

kai · 29th April 2021, 12:55 AM

2 neat barung - if you ever decide to part with the second one...

If not cared well for, the wood usually needs some nourishment; this enhances the chatoyancy and also helps to prevent (or ameliorate) any cracks.

Utilizing vegetal oils high in unsaturated fatty acids will result in a very thin (if used correctly) surface layer which may help to stabilize/protect. However, in humid climates mould is likely to grow if not handled regularly. Raw linseed oil penetrates best, especially when warm (rubbing by hand is sufficient but usually needs to be repeated over a longer period till saturation). Mineral oils have their own pros and cons.

I have never seen antique hilts from bunti exhibiting signs of any genuine resin finish; most are crafted from very dense burl that probably don't need any burnishing. A high polish with a fine abrasive is probably all that was needed in addition to some nourishment of the wood to bring out the chatoyancy.

The wood selected for scabbards (often Narra) is usually even more prone to cracking and, in this case, seems to need some feeding, too. It's usually not as highly polished though.

Regards,
Kai

Ian · 29th April 2021, 01:14 PM

DhaDha,

Two very nice barung, both with some age (probably late 19th C). I would say the one with the larger kakatua is the older of the two. As barung age and have been handled a lot, the banati wood becomes darker from contact with oil and sweat from the hands mixed with dirt. The wood takes on a dark burnished appearance, as both of yours have. I think this is a desirable feature and an indication of authentic age/use. For that reason I would do no more than a light rubbing with a slightly damp cotton cloth to remove any surface dirt on the wood. Mineral oil is fine if you want to feed dry wood--it is less viscous than linseed oil and any excess can be removed more readily. Then rub it dry with a soft cotton cloth. That should give a nice sheen to the surface. If you want a shinier finish on the wood, Renaissance Wax gives a nice result.

I agree with Rick that the silver needs a polish.

David · 29th April 2021, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Mineral oils have their own pros and cons.

Care to elaborate?

29th April 2021, 12:55 AM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,223	2 neat barung - if you ever decide to part with the second one... If not cared well for, the wood usually needs some nourishment; this enhances the chatoyancy and also helps to prevent (or ameliorate) any cracks. Utilizing vegetal oils high in unsaturated fatty acids will result in a very thin (if used correctly) surface layer which may help to stabilize/protect. However, in humid climates mould is likely to grow if not handled regularly. Raw linseed oil penetrates best, especially when warm (rubbing by hand is sufficient but usually needs to be repeated over a longer period till saturation). Mineral oils have their own pros and cons. I have never seen antique hilts from bunti exhibiting signs of any genuine resin finish; most are crafted from very dense burl that probably don't need any burnishing. A high polish with a fine abrasive is probably all that was needed in addition to some nourishment of the wood to bring out the chatoyancy. The wood selected for scabbards (often Narra) is usually even more prone to cracking and, in this case, seems to need some feeding, too. It's usually not as highly polished though. Regards, Kai

29th April 2021, 01:14 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,047	DhaDha, Two very nice barung, both with some age (probably late 19th C). I would say the one with the larger kakatua is the older of the two. As barung age and have been handled a lot, the banati wood becomes darker from contact with oil and sweat from the hands mixed with dirt. The wood takes on a dark burnished appearance, as both of yours have. I think this is a desirable feature and an indication of authentic age/use. For that reason I would do no more than a light rubbing with a slightly damp cotton cloth to remove any surface dirt on the wood. Mineral oil is fine if you want to feed dry wood--it is less viscous than linseed oil and any excess can be removed more readily. Then rub it dry with a soft cotton cloth. That should give a nice sheen to the surface. If you want a shinier finish on the wood, Renaissance Wax gives a nice result. I agree with Rick that the silver needs a polish.