Handstitched, I was afraid that if I tried to braze the back, being such a thin arm, the heat would melt all my braze. So I thought better off to play safe and leave as is. I did scarf out the crack to about a 2/3 depth before I brazed. My torches are industrial size not really meant for this fine work. But once all together, you don't see the braze. I am definitely still on the lookout for a replacement part.