>>6290767The kris is not just a normal blade; it is a blade designed to inflict much more damage than a normal edged weapon of similar size.
The wavy edge serves much the same purpose as a serrated blade, offering more pressure to be applied and more cutting force.
The curves leave a much nastier entry wound, that is more difficult to sew shut and bleeds profusely.
When the kris encounters an obstacle like bone, instead of getting stuck in it like a normal blade, it deflects off it and continues going deeper.
But it is not simple to forge a superior kris. The bladesmith must fast, meditate and pray to prepare. The finest kris blades are forged by hand, without tools. The more prized pieces are composed of damascus steel.
Each kris is said to have its own soul.
To maintain their kris, the owner must regularly conduct a cleansing ceremony using holy water, incense and flowers. More mundanely, it is also obviously more difficult to sharpen a wavy blade.
While some blades are coated in perfume, others are coated in arsenic, so it is essential to treat the blade with respect, and take care when touching it.
