Here are some pics of my collection

I appreciate the offer and I would be very interested when the planes start flying with some degree of assurance later on.

But the handle is in much worse shape than it appears. I'm sure that whomever had this sword before me wasn't as careful with it as me and probably swung it at some hard targets which not only caused the original fastening material to start to give way as well as causing some cracks in the handle itself. Also the end of the handle looks as if it has been frayed for want of a better word.
It could be restored, but would only be useable as a wall hanger and it deserves better than that.
From what I understand these swords were solely weapons and used only for that purpose?

Would you be interested in making a new handle for it?
I'm sure I can get some nice Ebony or Mahogony from Paxton Woods here in Tulsa. They had some beautiful Ebony not long ago anyway with some beautiful streaks of dark brown running through it, some of the prettiest Ebony I have ever seen.:)
And I "think" that I could buy just enough of the material to make a handle with.
Actually I could make the handle using the original as I have a scroll saw and am fairly handy with hand tools.;)
Then you could put it on and make the new furniture?

It will take me awhile since I have to finish current projects first.:)
 
Hello Yvsa

Well making a handle isnt something Im too excited about doing depending on the amount of okir work you want. I could do a simple handle like the one that is already on it, but an elaborate jungayan hilt with lots of okir work is something I would have second thoughts about.

However Ive seen some pretty badly messed up handles before. Realistically if it wasnt for messed up swords I would probably not have a collection. Depending on the wood used cracking could just be a characteristic of the wood, and possibly could be repaired (though depending how patient you are it may take a while to do correctly). If you are willing, if you could just take the handle off I could see what I can do. Realistically the epoxy/resin plays a big role in securing the handle and a good epoxy job would probably go a long way in making it usable. I could also make a ferrule to add extra support. Really depends how bad it is, but from the pics it does look like something could be done.

If you want to make the handle I could attach it and make some fittings. I have a bunch of copper and brass stock on hand, but if you wanted silver I would have to purchase that (I do have some silver on hand but it is mostly in scrap and I would have to melt it down into a usable working stock). Really it depends what you want done. If you have any pics of something you want similar I could tell you if I could do it.
 
I will drop you an e-mail tomorrow, no since taking this up on the forum.:)
In the meantime and since I'm already posting this..... Is there some pix of the okir on handles that you could send or refer me to?
I might try myself to make a new and much fancier handle for the wonderful old sword.
And if you have some pix of any sheaths that have been taken apart I would like to see one or some of them as well.
Were the Sundang sheaths as elaborate and beautifully finished hardwoods as the ones on the Sea-asia Keris's?
That would be much more difficult and time consuming as well as somewhat expensive considering what some of the materials cost.
But it may be possible, if not authentic, to make a very beautiful sheath from Red Cedar. It really wouldn't be much for use made from Red Cedar, except for a wall hanger, but would be beautiful to behold.
Of course a nice piece of Mohogany would be beautiful as well. I think the cost of a piece of Ebony large enough for the project would be cost prohibitive for me.
But there would be lots of very useable scrap left over for other projects.
When it comes time I will check out the possibilities.:)
 
I got a whole load of pics of different handles and sheaths. From those on my site to ones I have on my computer as well as some pics in books I could scan in. The basic construction of the sheath is pretty much the same as other keris. The cross-piece is separate from the main sheath. I dont think I have any pics of a broken down sheath. I have had my sheaths come apart, but never took pics. Its also common to make the cross piece of a different wood than the main piece. You could combine ebony and mahagony. Teak is also a good alternative, so is narra, paduak, and molave. Realistically the amount of okir work varied from very little to a whole lot. The motifs were almost always floral or jungle thems. So depending on how ambitious you are it can get pretty complex. Also horn, ivory, and other precious materials (such as silver)were used in handles as well. Now of course in a common mans weapon the finer materials and eloaborate work was not used. However for the upper class it varied to what they could afford.
 
I hope people bring stuff like this to the konvention!!!
WOW! :eek:

I have only seen stuff like this on the net!!!
I might get to hold some of it oooo....aaaah....:D :D :D
I am excited!!! :D :D :D
 
Yvsa alone has enough stuff to keep us looking for a couple of days. Wait until you see than hammer dingy khukuri in person. That one belongs under my bed.
 
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