Hi Marco,
I think the use of power tools is inevitable when it comes to keris hilts. How many master carvers are still active in Indonesia nowadays?
Ideally, carvers should rely on their traditional hand-made tools. I believe the use of power tools will create a barrier between the carver ( creator ) and the hilt he is trying to creat. Just like an Empu who is trying to imbue the kris blade with his creative and spiritual energy/ force, the carver should feel the same about what he wants to creat. If he is able to achieve this, the result will speak of itself.
The hilt you have posted is technically impressive and not without it's merit, but just too clinical perhaps. But still, it beats a lot of what is being produced nowadays.
B/rgds,
jonathan
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