kerishilt
 

hi,
Can someone tell me why they make this hilt in two parts

Very probably to replace a cracked section of the hilt.

When I have seen it done, this was the reason, and I myself have commissioned this repair on several occasions.

"Conservation" could be the main reason.

But Alan, does this kind of repair will cost significantly lesser than constructing a whole new one? Or were there the aesthetic reason such as the age of the material etc, could be the main reason why one would ask for this kind of repair, rather than getting a new ones?

The ones I've had repaired like this have cost a lot less than getting a new one made, but that was not a consideration for me. If necessary I would have been willing to pay much more than the cost of a new hilt, in order to conserve the old one.

Sometimes, it is a limitation of available material. The old hilt may be made from wood of very good grain, and it is not so easy to find another piece of wood of similar size and quality. Sometimes, its the quality of the carving. If the owner likes the form of the old hilt, he may choose to repair the hilt. Sometimes, its just sentimental/pusaka value... I'm sure there are many other reasons for repairing an old hilt. :)