Bamboo Katana Ver. 2

Well, finally done. well almost...The idea occurred to me that hey, i could stain it green! So, im going to let my fans decide for me. Clear coat it, or stain it a pale green color similar to bamboo???
Ok so everyone is aware that the original tsuba was shattered into 16 pieces to be exact >< Which ultimately inspired me to make the newly restored piece stronger!! Too bad i didnt think to do this the first time. Live and learn right? Ok so the outer rim was reinforce with a thin surface layer of birch plywood on both sides. This piece is ever so slightly thicker, which has no bearing whatsoever on its durability. Just thought id throw that in there to make this comment even longer hehe. Also, thin strips of the already thin birch plywood were added into the segments of the bamboo motive of the tsuba instead of a simple carving as in the original. I think it makes it stand out a bit more.
I had to destroy the old Habaki for the simple fact that it was glued. Ya know, on a side note....Habaki's are a pain in the arss. Let me explain...sinnce it was made in a non traditional way, the blade had to perfectly consistent all the way through, having to slide the Habaki all the way down the blade >< The Habaki is also 6 layers of wood just as the original, but different in design. The thin reddish brown stripes is actually the middle layer of a piece of birch plywood in case anyone wondered.
Dont forget to leave your opinion, clear coat or stain?!?!