Though now fused by oxidation, the grip and guard originally were separate.
I have not found many sources on iron/steel production methods in SEA, but I will forward to you what I have. A nice one I found is a 1907 monograph article on the iron and steel industry in Burma, which is were I found the description of the jacketing method. There are a few interesting recent articles on excavations of iron smelters in Burma as well (I will have to locate the precise references). I have found some references to the use of local vs. imported iron & steel as well.
Specific information to follow.
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