Blazeaglory

Thanks. What about if a shirasaya sides are opening a bit? From mouth of shirasaya I just received, about 4 inches are not sealed together (using a rubber band to stop any further separation for now) . Rice glue? ?

Here's the "nakago only" Wakizashi next to the Osuriage "Kanemoto" (reference only) Huge difference in sugata.

Here's an example of what you DON'T WANT your nakago to look like. I would think that you could see the age of a sword (help determine anyways) by seeing how worn the file marks are, the stages of rust (rust on nakago looks different allot of times from typical red active rust but could also have that) which varies in colors from dark brown to black, pitting and decayed iron... but you'd have to polish ALLOT or in a specific manner to remove most Mei as they are chiseled in... I'm sure the "pros" will have more information for you. That was my two cents..(there's more info but were talking about reasons not to polish nakago so please don't over think my response folks) Here's a pic of a "cleaned" nakago (early/mid Edo possibly)...SHREEK!

I'm currently in it my friend. Still digging! Cheers!????

Good to know. The person who told me was referencing old tsuka ito that was ripping or fraying. He said to use white or rice glue to stop further damage and only in moderation. Good idea or no?

Grrrrrrr???? Although I have seen many great shinshinto items, I have to say I'm a Koto guy

Oh I definitely polish my Nakago.. (only joking as that was a reference to a dirty joke not an actual Nihonto Nakago but a...oh you know. So NEVER polish your Nakago or you'll go blind) Sorry I couldn't resist... Goodnight folks

I'm with Jussi. The older the better and frm different regions and dens. Currently I'm saving for a Nanbokucho blade that I found. And if not Koto, then something Shinto from a good smith with wild hamon like this

Looks like it's done very well. I come from a family of welders and something that detailed is not easy. Definitely worth it on a sword like that. And good to know it's possible!

Wow great info! I'll say I'm taking my time and trying to use as close to traditional methods as possible. Definitely no glue. Unless it's rice glue wink wink but really I wouldnt consider using glue for the F/K unless it's really old and falling apart and then just a tiny bit of white or rice glue(I was told this by someone who makes shirasaya for a living) I always thought the wrap held on the kashira tight enough right? Well if done correct. Also, the wrapping isn't easy. Just practicing is hard and very time consuming. I have no illusions of breezing through this. I'm constantly going back through videos and how to's, and now seeking advice (which has helped allot) I wouldn't recommend this to someone with no woodworking experiences and even then, it's not easy. When I get frustrated, I take a break for a couple days.

Yah I have some already. They're made of oak tho and I don't want to waste any real silk/cotton so I've been practicing wrapping them with old "fat lace" shoe laces to get the technique down. Ive also been practicing using chisel and hand planer but oak is hard and weird at times to work with As far as the actual carving and making of the wood, it's really not that hard if you're familiar with wood and the wood making process. Its just a matter of fitting properly and correct wood (as well as dryness) That's the good thing about trades. They're kinda universal give or take certain trade secrets or similar. But that's not to say "its easy"

Yes thank you. I have several old tsuka for reference and some new I have bought but decided not to use. I have also been acquiring menuki, many different color of Japanese silk and cotton, and tsuba. Only thing I'm missing is a good fuchikashira set, as the ones I like are always too expensive. I'm hesitant to use real Same just because of the rate of destruction so I'm still debating. I've been working with wood for many years now and although I'm not by any means great, I do have many tools and machines, as well as chisels and planer, etc... Plus my grandfather was a master welder and woodworker so everything is in my garage. It isn't easy tho, so Ggil is mostly correct. But patience and proper tools help immensely. Along with the expertise on this website, I think it can be done. Roku is right tho as well. Side note... I just bought some nice big pieces of tulip poplar, so if anyone needs any "strips", send me a PM and I'll see if I can make some available.

Thank you! Stay away from oak. Got it. I'll read up on rays link as well.

Thanks Brian. I'm not offended. It will take way more than that too offend me. I jyst ask that if someone wants to call me out please do it privately. And not to flame the fire but here's a Japanese made practice sword for less than $500. They are out there. I never said the OPs was, I was just trying to give him hope and let him down easy. Just because it's illegal, doesn't mean it's impossible. And if that's not a Japanese website then i was wrong and unlike many long time users here, I'll admit that! So if skyjiro isn't Japanese, hey i made a mistake.(hence why I told OP to check the tang) That's why i ask to send me a PM instead of chastising me publicly https://www.skyjiroforge.com/mokko-musashi-stainless-steel-iaito-p-75.html?zenid=qmi0dnhn8nljbcs5gsdfo1ses1 But did I say anything different than anyone before me? No. And ill leave it at that as to respect this thread and website. I would never call someone out like that with veiled insults on a pubic forum unless I wanted tu publicly insult and embarrass someone. There's A difference between well respected old timers with valid info and straight up side ways insults...I know the difference between the two... So what about that and him? People can get the same results from self research and books and forgo the insults and headaches. No offense but i think people like him scare allot of newcomers (new blood and money) from posting here. No insults intended but I've read many threads where these supposedly respected pros insult and bash first time poster's in regards to their Chinese or less than great swords and this guy has the nerve to call me out for saying roughly the same thing (without insults) as everyone else but throwing in a little hope? It's like that story.. how many ppl does it take to screw in a light bulb? Well how many ppl does it take to say "its a Chinese sword I'm sorry" (not that having a Chinese sword is a bad thing) . So i understand what you're saying Brian but on the same coin it would be nice if you talked to "the pros" and asked them to measure twice and cut once so to speak because it's turning allot of ppl off to this website I would imagine. For you Brian , because i respect your opinion, I will slow down on my posting considering it offends some people. I just wish originally before this debate started, that it could have been solved privately. But I will take it easy from now on. Think of the old Japanese stories where a God comes down to annoy ppl just to test them. Most fail. Only the best pass. Take care Brian

Hello all. Does anyone have any advice on Tsuka-ito wrapping? I have some ho wood on the way as well as close American equivalent but i managed to shave a decent Tsuka from some dried oak (I'm not sure if that's the best wood but I'm using it to practice). So, I'm asking if anyone has ever done this or has any advice. I decided to use Same grooves as well to cut back on the destroying of wildlife. I'm even considering switching to synthetic Same but for some reason it doesn't feel right. So please, I promised I wouldn't self polish any Nihonto but let me have this lol Thanks in advance

ROKUJURO: Good to know! Thanks! And to Katsujiken: There are still new swords made in Japan No? What did I say wrong? Because OPs blade doesnt appear to be quality (not my opinion but in general) it some how negates the fact that there are new makers of Japanese swords? Could it not be a dull made practice sword someone put an edge on (im not saying it is so please dont twist my words)? And if not, its Chinese right? Did I not write that? If you have a problem with me kindly send me a PM next time. What makes you think I havent been reading for a while now? Just because I am new here to post, doesn't mean I haven't been reading. Also, tell me... A person cant be relaxed and make multiple posts? Read my posts slow and in a calm voice in your head, maybe that will help because I am pretty calm most of my life. Are you tired of seeing my posts maybe? Forums are meant for posting and sharing, sorry you dont like the speed or quantity of my posts. I never said OPs was made in Japan, just that new swords are still made in Japan. Did you not read shortly after "more than likely its Chinese"? I never compared it to any modern smiths or great new swords now did I? So tell me what did I say exactly that "should be left up to the pros" when dealing with a Chinese sword? What did I say different than anyone else here before I posted? How am I ruining a fragile moment? I never insulted the OP, or never meant to at least. I would really like to know from you Maybe some advice from me...Dont assume or jump to conclusions and if you dont like me, send me a PM or leave me alone, block me (thats what its for), or work it out with yourself... because it sounds like you need to relax while you comment with veiled insults. Dont call me out in someone else's thread ruining it and basically doing what you accuse me of doing. Please keep that private next time and PM me. If I did respond with a 1300 word diatribe, what does that matter to you? Afraid of a lengthy read? Didnt you just say to read more but in the same post tell me not to write a 1300 word diatribe? Like I said, next time kindly send me a PM if you want to insult me for no reason. This is the last time I respond to you in this thread

MODS PLEASE DELETE

Amazing! Also, OP, check here first in the for sale area for tsuba because many members have great deals as well!

Sorry not trying to steal the thread here but I dont know much about tsuba, so my replies are mostly towards referencing the ebay sale... but as for the question... How was a real Nihonto tsuba made? Not cast but actually carved and hammered/forged from copper (or other metals in some cases)? If cast it means modern? Could this maybe be a newer Japanese cast or always Chinese?

Ill send you a PM with some trusted sellers I've been buying from for a long time. Check your PM later. I'll send after work. I've been seeing allot of youngsters from Japan selling Chinese imports lately. I'm not saying its one of your sellers but a couple I have viewed lately have some questionable items. I always check their other items as well. If I notice a bunch of different types of items (mostly new items or mainstream stuff or have nothing to do with antiques or actual Nihonto) but then a few "newer" looking "vintage" items, to me that's a red flag. I have allot of Chinese sellers that I buy some particular items from, so I see allot of the reproductions they have and can spot them from a few Japanese sellers as well.. I think they caught on to the "from Japan so must be Japanese" deal, which makes other more reputable Japanese sellers suffer as well. Just gotta be careful!

Could still be made in Japan, just new. If not then Chinese (but still somewhat well made). But I think everyone is correct and the bohi does look a little "odd", so more than likely it's Chinese Only way to find out is nakago(tang). Get a tsuka(handle) remover if it's stuck and use a rubber or wooden mallet (sometimes the little brass hammer works) and gently tap it until its loose then carefully remove the tsuka.

Once I learn and gather more knowledge, I plan on going to back and looking again to see how well (or not well) I did????

I would think yes. Repetition with sugata, hamon and boshi as well. Then if unsure still, they go into detail

Haha I'll go with the acid free package. I was hoping everyone would say it was worth the trouble!

Looks very close for Kanemoto (Photo courtesy of Mark Sesko Kantei reference Book [mods please remove if requested])