PAUL'S KERIS PAGE

Why I like the Keris...A technical and Cultural View

The keris is perhaps the earliest ergonomically designed weapon
there is. It is designed to fit in the hand snugly to give the longest
reach for its class of edged weapon and to deliver the killing
thrust with minimum of force.

When held correctly, it becomes the extension of the 
forefinger. And as you have total control over where the forefinger
should go, you have total control over where the keris should go.

The keris also economizes on the force used. The hilt of a 
Malay and Javanese keis is something like a pistol grip. It sits
snugly in the palm of the hand such that when you thrust the keris, 
it is like you are giving the person a punch with a clenched fist. In 
addition, when the stab is made, the hilt pushes into the palm so 
that there is no slippage and the maximum of force is transferred
into the thrust. To see how a keis is gripped, click on (1), (2) and 
(3)

The keris is designed to be held at waist level. It targets
the torso, where the key organs are. When held correctly the flat
of the blade is parrallel to the ground. This is to allow the blade
to slip between the ribs. The angle of the blade to the tang also
contributes to its lethality. Unlike most blades where the tang 
is in line with the blade, the keris blade is placed at a slight
angle to the tang. When correctly held, the blade points or 
curves inwards towards the central axis of the body so that 
the thrust will always move inwards into the body.

The keris is designed as a close combat weapon to be 
used at a range where a cutting and slashing weapon would 
be useless. Swords may have a further reach but once you come
to grips with an opponent with a slashing or cutting weapon, the
advantage is with the keris bearer.

The keris is not just a efficient weapon. It is also a 
cultural talisman that embodies the culture, history and art 
of the Malay peoples through Animism, Hinduism, and Islam.
It symbolizes the quintessential character of the Malay people; 
changing yet unchanging. It encompasses the best in Malay art, 
in woodwork, silversmithing and blacksmithing, to express a 
sophisticated delight in clean flowing lines and abstraction.
The keris is a work of art and a cultural talisman. Not bad
for a dagger

Click on where you want to go.

1.  The Keris - Forward & Contents

2.  The Keris - An Introduction

3.  The Blade

4.  Details of the Blade

5.  Dapur

6.  Pamor

7.  Pamor Types

8. The Hilt, Sheath and Other Fittings

9.  The Hilt

10.  The Hilt Rings

11. The Sheath

12. The Mystical Aspect

13. Why I like the Keris...A technical and Cultural View

14. References

GALLERY

LINKS

Keris Cleaning During Muharram

THE Friends' Gallery

If you want to talk keris mail me at :
dspf@pacific.net.sg