Just too many of these to be repairs.
Most logical assumption would be the "Jen" failed the last warrior & needed replacement.
According to Cato's definition of Jen: "...a supernatural entity which resides within a sword. It's major functions are to protect the owner and assist him in combat."
The engravings on this last sword (suggest to me) power from the user transfered to the "Jen" & then to the rest of the sword.
The similar markings on the center guard going into the repaired section & the outer guard may be going in opposite directions. The users power going/combining into the Jen & the rest of the sword & the power of the Jen & sword coming back (outer guard) to protect the user.
I recall a story from a captured Spanish Clergy that was forced to assist a smith. He complained of all the rituals involved & waiting for correct signs before proceeding to the next steps in the process.
If all this was done to ensure a powerful "Jen" & the last owner was killed in combat, certainly no one would want or believe in the sword.
Many of the old beliefs & psyche of the old Moro warrior may be lost. My guess is this may be the results of economics. In bad times or when a sword is needed quickly, the tang/Jen replacement would have to suffice. Add in a holy man inscribing the right talismans & the new owner may have felt quite confident in his new Jen.
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