|
Tsuka
Feb 23, 2005 21:20:29 GMT -5
Post by rjsimmons on Feb 23, 2005 21:20:29 GMT -5
The tsuka for my iai-to is now finished. I wrapped it in katate-maki style (battle wrap) and used a bat theme with the ornamentation with parts ordered from Fred Lohman in Portland, OR. His restoration of an aikuchi was the inspiration for the one I had done.
I thoroughly enjoy the detail of the menuki that is carried over onto the fuchi and kashira. Fred Lohman does quality work and I highly recommend him. Randall
|
|
AJBryant
New Member
甲冑師 katchuu-shi
Posts: 1,972
|
Tsuka
Feb 23, 2005 23:11:43 GMT -5
Post by AJBryant on Feb 23, 2005 23:11:43 GMT -5
Sweet!!
Tony
|
|
|
Tsuka
Feb 25, 2005 14:28:13 GMT -5
Post by Masahide on Feb 25, 2005 14:28:13 GMT -5
Randall,
Where did you learn to do this kind of wrapping, etc. I recently got a Katana, but it really needs to have the handle and scabbard redone (the blade is decent for the price).
Masahide
|
|
|
Tsuka
Feb 25, 2005 14:55:16 GMT -5
Post by rjsimmons on Feb 25, 2005 14:55:16 GMT -5
Randall, Where did you learn to do this kind of wrapping, etc. I recently got a Katana, but it really needs to have the handle and scabbard redone (the blade is decent for the price). Masahide Self taught. I looked at a number of styles and did lots of research. The best place I could recommend is a site by Thomas Buck who does some fantastic work. pages.prodigy.net/tlbuck/tsuka/tsuka.htmRead over Mr. Buck's site very thoroughly. I got some inspiration at Fred Lohman's web site. www.japanese-swords.com/Enter the site and navigate to "Restoration" then "Handle Wrapping". The wood you choose for your handle is extremely important. For my antique katana, I chose red oak and have been happy with it for lo, these past 17 years that it has been on my sword. I chose poplar for my iaito, mosty because it was easier to carve than oak, and it would not be subject to the same amount of stress that a real blade would put on it as well as lighter (if you have ever had to practice iaido for 8 to 10 hours straight, you would understand the need for this). The next most vital (and amazingly enough it follows in the construction process) is the ray-skin wrap. It should completey encompass the handle. Inserts look nice, but add nothing to the strength of the handle. After that, the ito itself. This is both aesthetically and physically necessary to the handle. You will have to decide which type to go with before which style and color. For blades that see lots of use, I recommend cotton. It will absorb sweat faster and retain its shape longer than silk. Silk should be used for swords that you wear for looks primarily, unless you have been using silk for a long time in practice. I will take some pictures of the tsuka that is on my antique sword and post them for your reference. Keep me posted on your progress.
|
|
|
Tsuka
Feb 25, 2005 15:03:47 GMT -5
Post by Otagiri Tatsuzou on Feb 25, 2005 15:03:47 GMT -5
I will take some pictures of the tsuka that is on my antique sword and post them for your reference. You have more? These are quite beautiful. You guys keep reminding me why I fell in love with the samurai in the first place.
|
|
|
Tsuka
Feb 25, 2005 21:40:01 GMT -5
Post by rjsimmons on Feb 25, 2005 21:40:01 GMT -5
|
|
|
Tsuka
Sept 23, 2005 11:13:32 GMT -5
Post by Otagiri Tatsuzou on Sept 23, 2005 11:13:32 GMT -5
:happy anniversary:
|
|