Rob, I would not use a heat gun, in my experience the heat generated is spread too widely.
I have on occasion used a heat gun as a heat source, but I am very selective in what I use it on.
If I were remove the hilt on this keris I would probably use a gas flame, but I seldom recommend this to other people --- I have removed at least hundreds of hilts from keris, pedang & other blades, for a first up, one off attempt I would never recommend a gas flame.
What I have used many times is the flame of a candle, it is a bit dirty, but the soot washes off easy with turps, and the blade needs a clean & stain in any case.
When I use a candle I hold the blade in my hand and gently work the hilt back & forth until it lets go.
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