Good points Vandoo.
Started to cut/chisel out the sides today. Haven't finished the flare at the pommel and the handle needs to be narrower and not so rough. Then I need to smooth it all out and make the surfaces concave. Still unsure if I am going to carve it with designs, and if so, what kind. There's a few examples of carved aputu, some with very complex designs. I'm thinking I might just let it be... my carving skills aren't great and most aputu I've seen pictures of are plain.
Anyone have information on the meanings behind the
designs?