I have a Javanese keris (also spelled kris) dagger that I thought Id put up for sale here at Bladeforums and see if theres any interest. Although keris knives are often recognized as having wavy blades, many of them are actually straight. This particular keris has a 13 long, straight (Lurus) blade.
The Dapur (shape classification) of the blade is Kebo Lajer. It is relatively wide and thin. The Pamor (damascene pattern) on the blade is Beras Wutah. The pamor is really clear and well defined, but on one side its a bit blurry towards the center. There is also some terrific pamor on the Ganja (separate, guard-like part at the base of the blade).
This blade is extremely old. The Tangguh (estimate of the era that the blade was made in) is Pajajaran, which covers the 13th and 14th centuries. There is an average amount of corrosion around the point and edges, with the point being very slightly misshapen. The blade displays good metal workmanship and high quality iron was used in its forging.
All of the blades fittings (handle, mendak, and sheath) are new constructions. The handle is made of Gembol Jati wood. Its an attractive, burl-type wood that shows intricate patterns. There appears to be some filler material in the back of the handle though. The Mendak (ferrule piece between the blade and handle) is a silver colored metal (not really golden like in the pics).
The sheath (Wrangka) is fantastic and in great condition. The shape of the sheath is called Gayaman. Its top part is made from beautiful, striped Klengkeng wood. When you turn the sheath so that light hits it at different angles, theres an interesting 3-D effect visible in the wood: it looks like its translucent and you can see the grain beneath its surface. The bottom part of the sheath is made of a plain, unfinished wood. It is covered by an embossed brass Pendok (metal sleeve) that is in excellent condition.
In all, the design of this keris is relatively simple, but the quality is exceptional. If youre not already a keris lover, I think this would make a good first knife for someone who wants to get started in them. It might also appeal to people who collect weapons from different cultures or are just interested in older blades.
Price: This item has been taken off the market.
My email addy is cerulean@prontomail.com. Paypal accepted. No trades at this time.
Thanks for looking and feel free to email me with any questions.
The Dapur (shape classification) of the blade is Kebo Lajer. It is relatively wide and thin. The Pamor (damascene pattern) on the blade is Beras Wutah. The pamor is really clear and well defined, but on one side its a bit blurry towards the center. There is also some terrific pamor on the Ganja (separate, guard-like part at the base of the blade).
This blade is extremely old. The Tangguh (estimate of the era that the blade was made in) is Pajajaran, which covers the 13th and 14th centuries. There is an average amount of corrosion around the point and edges, with the point being very slightly misshapen. The blade displays good metal workmanship and high quality iron was used in its forging.
All of the blades fittings (handle, mendak, and sheath) are new constructions. The handle is made of Gembol Jati wood. Its an attractive, burl-type wood that shows intricate patterns. There appears to be some filler material in the back of the handle though. The Mendak (ferrule piece between the blade and handle) is a silver colored metal (not really golden like in the pics).
The sheath (Wrangka) is fantastic and in great condition. The shape of the sheath is called Gayaman. Its top part is made from beautiful, striped Klengkeng wood. When you turn the sheath so that light hits it at different angles, theres an interesting 3-D effect visible in the wood: it looks like its translucent and you can see the grain beneath its surface. The bottom part of the sheath is made of a plain, unfinished wood. It is covered by an embossed brass Pendok (metal sleeve) that is in excellent condition.
In all, the design of this keris is relatively simple, but the quality is exceptional. If youre not already a keris lover, I think this would make a good first knife for someone who wants to get started in them. It might also appeal to people who collect weapons from different cultures or are just interested in older blades.
Price: This item has been taken off the market.
My email addy is cerulean@prontomail.com. Paypal accepted. No trades at this time.
Thanks for looking and feel free to email me with any questions.