Yup, I'd also bet on separate gangya, Kai Wee. This seam shows the usual irregularities from forging as well as from minor corrosion (which wouldn't be restricted to one side of an engraved line but would rather go "through" it, usually) and the grain of the metal pretty much nails it. A reetching (I'd try mere vinegar) would make the latter much more obvious and most certainly bring out a nice pattern for this great blade!
Regards,
Kai
|