Classic Talibon Hilt w/Atypical Blade

[RobT]

Hi All,

Well, almost classic style hilt since it doesn’t have the rattan ferrule found on classic hilts. Normally, I would say that the ferrule is just missing on my example but the part that would go under the ferrule has the same smooth finish and octagonal cross section as the rest of the hilt. That seems like an awful lot of work to go through just to be covered up with a ferrule. Also, a smooth octagonal cross section doesn’t seem to be the best design for keeping a rattan binding in place. I have looked at the area with a hand lens and can find no ghost indicating that a rattan (or metal for that matter) ferrule was ever there. The patina of the wood in the area in question matches the rest of the hilt. Could it be that this example never had a ferrule? The blade shape is clearly for a primarily slashing weapon. Would a hilt without a ferrule hold up under use?
Not that I’m complaining, because I find the blade to be exceptionally graceful and has a patina so fine that, in this rare instance, I intend to leave it as is, but I have never seen this type of blade paired with a classic talibon style hilt. Has anyone else seen one (or better yet have an example to show)? My blade has a chisel grind and measures 20.125” (about 51 cm) long. The spine is just a hair under 3/8” (about 9.53cm) thick at the hilt. No sheath,

Sincerely,
RobT