Unusual Visayan features?

[Spunjer]

Do you see any traces of that your resembling sword also had twine all the way along the handle like mine?

no trace on the handle itself, but as far as the twine between the handguard and handle, i believe kai hit it right on the head. pics enclosed are close ups of the twine. notice how it was wrapped around haphazardly (pics included).

What is the guard on your second one made off?

i haven't figured out what it is yet. i keep thinking it's ivory, but freebooter might be right, in that it's a piece of antler.