[ccxl] Measurement of K’ris [p. 530.
- Measure the k’ris from the bottom of the blade (in the centre) to the point with
a thin strip of cocoa-nut leaf about half an inch wide. Cut the strip to this length
and fold it trebly; notch one of the third parts at the fold; measure off the length
of the two remaining thirds on the blade from the bottom towards the point, and
mark the blade at this distance. Then measure off the remaining third round the
blade at this mark as follows:—See that its extreme end exactly coincides with
the left side of the blade, and stretch it across the blade at right angles, bending
the strip of leaf round the edge at the exact spot reached on the opposite edge of
the blade by making a dent but not severing the leaf. Then measure it a second
time from the dent thus made, making a second dent on the strip at the point
reached. Repeat this a third time, making a third dent, when the dent on the strip
of leaf should be found to come exactly in the centre of the blade, if the blade is
a good one.
If it falls on either side it is bad, and if it requires four measurements (instead of
three) it is very bad, though five would be good. There will never be more than
five.
This measurement is called the Malay measurement (Ukoran Malayu) as
distinguished from
- The Bugis’ measurement (Ukoran Bugis), which is made nearer the hilt, as
follows:—Begin as before, but measure off the remaining two-thirds from the
point instead of the hilt. This will give a mark farther up the blade, and the strip
of leaf must then be folded round the k’ris to see where the notch (between the