Disassembling metal saya?

[obiwanknabbe]

Hi everyone,

 

Do any of you have any experience taking apart metal Gunto saya? I have one where the metal is in perfect condition but the wood core is shot. I would like to replace the wood,so as to help preserve the blade, but don't wish to break the fittings. Are they usually just pressed on? The koiguchi has a screw that i removed, but its still on there really tight. Also, is the wood core usually glued in or does it come out easily? Ideas? Comments?

 

Thanks,

 

Kurt. K

[george trotter]

Hi Kurt,

you don't post a pic so hard to know exactly what you have.

Assuming it is the usual Type 98 saya, the koiguchi should have two screw in it (usually at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock...but sometimes at 4 o'clock and 2 o'clock).

With these out the fitting should come off with a gentle tug, or a gentle tap upwards...(with a wood block of course).

The saya liner is usually held by "perfect" shaping to the saya or sometimes a thin strip of paper along the edges using rice glue (just dampen to soften).

I would firmly recommend that you keep the original liner if possible...even if you need to repair cracks (use paper and rice glue again). Just clean it and re-use...otherwise you'll have to get the blade and scabbard complete to a saya maker who will make a new liner...or get shirasaya made and don't use the gunto scabbard again.

Hope this helps,

[obiwanknabbe]

Thanks George,

 

Sorry for no pics, but im at work (on break). It is a standard type 98 saya and I was planning on cleaning the original wood and reusing it. While I have the ability to make a new shira saya for it, I am trying to return the blade (A very nice Koa Isshin Mantetsu) to its original configuration. Honestly, I just like the way the military mounts look. The sword was in some rather poor condition Frankenstein mounts when I bought it. I have pieced together a new correct set of fittings along with this saya, which fits perfectly. It is full of dried cosomline and debris, however, which brings us to the conversation at hand.

 

From what I can see, there was only one "real" screw on the mune side of the koiguchi. There appears to be another one on the front side which is cosmetic? Not made of steel but rather copper/brass which was cast onto the fitting and that was subsequently mauled by some previous owner. I will upload some photos when I get home later.

 

Thanks,

 

kurt

[obiwanknabbe]

As with all obsessions, the second I got home i started to work on the saya. Turns out the "cosmetic" screw was actually a screw. I had to re-cut the head but with some patience i got it out. I then used a wooden block, as George suggested, to tap off the Koiguchi. It came off with just a few taps.. VICTORY!.. Sorta. The wood core is totally shot. It is about 40% dry rotted out. The bottom portion is still salvageable though. I may end up cutting the rotten section off and crafting a replacement for the top portion of the core. Now to the wood pile to see what i have floating around.

 

Kurt. K

[george trotter]

Kurt,

if you repair the wood, don't use the PVA glues...just a whiff of damp and they emit fumes that rust your sword. Best to use rice glue and paper.

Regards,

[obiwanknabbe]

George, thanks for the heads up.

 

I have to say, joining this group was one of the best things I ever did. Nothing like a compendium of knowledge!

 

Kurt.k