Spunger, if you feel confident to use a micro torch --- which in my experience can sometimes be more severe than a normal size torch --- why not use a normal torch with a nice bushy flame that will put heat into both the blade and the stirrups at the same time?
Are you able to get at the wood core of this hilt to cut it away?
I reckon that's the way I'd be going if I'd tried the normal route and it has failed, its an easy thing to replace a hilt core, and once the thing is together again you cannot see the core. To my mind this is no different to demounting a blade and remounting with fresh adhesive.
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