Gilbert Island Sword, need help
 

I just recently acquired this item and as you can see it needs some restoration;I don't want anything extensive, just the refastening of the arm, the securing of loose teeth, etc.I don't want to add teeth, but I would like the restoration done in the traditional method, using traditional materials or as close as possible.
The last time I requested assistance on the repairing of a kampilan, I got a great recommendation, so I hope the forum can help me now.

The only thing I CAN tell you about this, is that the binding is woven coconut fibre. ....so you would need to source some of that for a start.
Regards Stu

Thanks for the info Stu,that is a good start on my project.

I think the binding is, as was mentioned in the previous post, coconut fiber.
I think this fiber was wound with human hair, after examining one that I posted sometime back, so human hair, long, straight, and black is also needed. I guess horsehair will do in a pinch, though.

Oh, Oh........."Houston I think we have a problem." I guess I'll have to look for a good substitute material .

A suggestion.....visit your local hairdresser and ask if they could keep you some hair. Surely someone who has long hair wants it cut short............
Also re coconut woven fibre....see if you can pick up a tourist item such as a canoe. These are made using this.
Stu

Coconut fiber, and human, or horse hair for braiding, is available on Amazon, or eBay.

I'm having trouble finding it on ebay; how would it be listed ?

Just type in: coconut fiber craft, human hair craft, or horse hair craft.