Ito Knots

[IJASWORDS]

It is interesting how there is a variety of ways the ITO is knotted or terminated at the KABUTOGANE on both KAI and SHIN GUNTO. Took a snap of five varieties I have, all original, and vary distinctly.

Is there an ITO expert out there that can name the variations in knots? They must have their roots in tradition, otherwise they probably would not be tied in these variations.

When you collect GUNTO, even with SHOWA TO, or machine made blades, there is always some thing different and fascinating about every sword, the ITO knotting is just one. Neil.  

[EdWolf]

Hi Neil,

I’m by far not an expert but I recently found some information about the knots on the tsukamaki.net website. In this pdf file, a few type of knots are mentioned: http://www.tsukamaki.net/PDF/ArtTsukamaki.pdf. Hope this helps.

Regards, Ed

[IJASWORDS]

Ed, thankyou, GOOD information. Neil.

[Bruce Pennington]

Yes, Ed, thanks for the link! I enjoyed reading about both the knots and the ito wrapping styles!