battara,
it's really odd that the patterns are more distinct on the picture than it is on the real life. also, the handles and shield are all carved from a single piece.
mross,
Ballistol ???
bill,
yeah, you're right about rattan's resiliency. seen some pretty old kris with the original rattan binding still going strong. i guess this one wasn't taken care of
.the rattan pieces that fall off are actually brittle. i want to leave it as it is, but would like to preserve it without scrubbing off the patina. any suggestions?