Hello Steve,
Could you also show the reverse side of the blade, please?
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Where the hilt is normally wrapped with rattan, it has an old leather covering held on with a brass strap.
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The leather does look aged but doesn't seem to show the expected wear from actual usage. I'd hazard the guess that this was a repair attempt, possibly by someone out of the originating culture. Neat piece regardless - congrats!
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The blade is beveled on the right side and flat on the other. The beveled side shows nice laminations. The flat side of the blade etches almost completely dark.
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This is the usual construction with the thin steel plate forged to the opposite side of the blade later receiving the bevel: buttered slice of bread rather than a sandwich.
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I was completely stunned to find the laminated blade.
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I believe that many, if not most, antique Visayan blades will prove to be laminated if more people would care to check!
Not all will show such a bold contrast though (e. g. I have a laminated blade that is a pig to etch resulting in only faint laminations on the beveled side; need to try again).
Regards,
Kai