KRIS or KERIS – The classic blade of the Malay Archipelago. Every island has its unique form of blade, hilt, and scabbard. Some specimens date back to the 14th century, and examples are still produced today. The finest blades are made in Java and Bali. There are more than 40 named blade shapes ,but they all have one characteristic not found in other blades — a flared, pointed widening at the hilt end. There is frequently an elaborate series of notches in that area, frequently resembling the stylized head of an elephant.

Compared to the perfection of Japanese blades, these blades are often dismissed as crude, but there is a subtle beauty in the craftsmanship that needs to be appreciated for its own merit. Blades are made of a mixture of alloys, usually wrought iron and nickel. The best exhibit elaborates patterns called pamor. The pattern is carefully worked in by the craftsman during forging, brought out by mild acid etching, often using orange juice as the agent. The patterns (pamor) are culturally significant and have names that evoke strong meaning and give the blade its spirit.