Aikuchi handle

[kissakai]

Hi

I have an aikuchi that has an interesting handle. I believe it is baleen. I have seen an article on baleen in a previous HMB post but I can't find it!

Does any one know if this type was used in a particular time zone? I'm hoping to find out some pointers for the aikuchi and again if any one has any idea about the Aikuchi I would be most grateful. I realise this is a tall order from the limited info.

I swapped a 'tired' wakizashi for the aikuchi at a militaria fair and was not given any information about it

It is being polished at the moment (will not be returned for a few weeks) and will be put into shira saya so I can’t supply any more photos/details at the moment

 

 

 

 

 

 

With thanks

Grev UK

[Henry Wilson]

To me the tsuka looks like deer hide coated in a black urushi and the kashira, fuchu look like horn. The style is similar to that of Muromachi period koshirae. I suspect it could be an Edo period revival tsuka in not so good condition. I am pretty sure that the menuki are mid to late Edo.

 

I hope this is of help.

[Brian]

Do you have a pic of the nakago. Sorry, but the blade looks all wrong to me. Stubby kissaki, cookie-cutter hamon. Shinogi-zukuri?

Anyways, it does look like it may be baleen, but I don't think that signifies anything in the way of school or era imho.

 

Brian

[kissakai]

Hi Brian/Henry

I will post some more pictures when I get it back from the polisher but that will not be for for a few weeks so may be best to open a new post when I get it back

Initially I was mainly looking for info on the tsuka but that appears to give no real info

I've no idea how to tell baleen fron dear strips

 

 

Grev UK

[cabowen]

baleen is like brittle wire and rather round in cross section. Deer hide is usually flat. Yours appears to be baleen to my eyes.

[Jean]

I tend to agree with Chris, having had one, once.