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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Nov 3, 2011 17:39:16 GMT
Hey guys Just today I got this in the mail: It's an old sword (parang I think) from Borneo. My grandma was born there and her father who collected this stuff brought it with him decades ago (must have been before 1900). His son (my grandma's younger brother) had it lying around the house all that time and finally sent it to me this week, upon discovering that I love sharp and pointy things. Now my question is: what should I do with it? Should I remove the rust? The hilt wrap is rather loose but the whole assembly feels pretty solid. The edge is actually very decently sharp, if the rust was removed I bet it would cut paper. Interesting also that the edge bevel is only on one side. Is this normal for this kind of blade? Now I'm not gonna do any cutting with it but I certainly would like to restore it a bit. Since I've never owned an old sword, a true relict from the past (ok, it's not THAT old but probably close to 100 years) I'm unsure how to treat it. Additionally it's not a sword type I'm familiar with. What do you think? It does have some interesting features, for example some round inlays, seems like someone peened some other metal in round holes... Some more pics:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2011 17:54:38 GMT
I don't think the rust should be removed. Neutralize the rust perhaps. Parang is a general term that refers to single edge blade. It may be a jimpul but I am no expert. In any case, you might be able to get more information at the ethnographic arms and armor forum here: www.vikingsword.com/vb/I am sure they will provide some good cleaning advice. Nice blade. Here are some info on Dayak sword: old.blades.free.fr/swords/dayak/parang_dayak_intro.htm
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Nov 3, 2011 19:55:58 GMT
Thanks!! Some good info there. I am not registerd at vikingsword and I'll wait if I can't get sufficient info here or on myarmoury.
Quick correction after asking my mum: It was actually my great-grandfather, a German businessman, who collected these things and brought them with him. So this blade is at least 120 years old, quite possibly much older (don't think he had this one forged for him but just picked it up somewhere, who knows how old it had been at that time). Edited original post.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2011 21:26:55 GMT
I would still recommend getting some opinions from vikingswords. Besides registration is free and quick, and some of the members knows a great deal about obscure SEA swords. At least searching for Dayak in their forum could yield lots of interesting information too.
For its age, the scabbard looks great.
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Post by thepepperskull on Nov 5, 2011 5:42:48 GMT
This is called a Mandau or Dayak Mandau. It's a parang that belongs to the Dayak people of Borneo. Until very recently they were a headhunting culture before it was outlawed by colonial powers. Traditionally an animist society, many Dayak have converted to Islam or Christianity in recent years.
Thank you for all the pictires! Your piece seemsto be a complete one. A lot of these are missing the scabbards orthe accoutrement that accompany the scabbard. A very interesting thing to note on yours is the beautifully grained wood they used for said scabbard. even from the pics I see now I can tell it is very chatoyant. a wonderful feature for a mandau to have. The weaving work on the rattan bindings on the scabbard are great as well, as the Dayak did very fine weave work. The handle and pommel are bade of bone, I believe. Most likely cow bone. the carvings you have on there are very nice as well. The real deal and not touristy.
The single bevel on this blade is typical of a Mandau, so worry not! the single-bevel is functionally sound and in-field is easier to keep a keen, sharp edge than with a double beveled sword.
Okay, onto removing the rust from the blade.
Now, in terms of the blade, we need to be clear about what to do with old blades. The main goal with antique collectors is not to restore it to its original condition, but to maintain it so that it does not degrade further. Preservation and conservation is key as opposed to restoration. Do as little as possible so as not to interfere with it.
With this in mind, rust is bad for the blade, BUT the patina is what needs to be left. You need to distinguish patina, which determines its age and in and of itself is not harmful to the blade, from active rust which can further deteriorate the blade. the removal of active rust can be done in several ways.
First, I would recommend wiping the blade with oil and a cloth to remove any of the really loose rust. Then wiping oil onto the blade again and scrubbing it with a toothbrush. Thus will dislodge and remove any more loose and active rust. once this is done, clean the blade with mineral spirits and inspect it for orange or red active rust. Black or grey pitting is fine. this is Patina which helps to determine age and authenticity.
YOU DO NOT WANT A SHINY BLADE. you just want to remove the active rust, period.
If this has removed all of the rust, then coat the blad with oil and you're finished.
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