Fitting seppa to tsuba - which is correct?

[CurtisR]

Greetings all,

 

I've fitted a nice (Gendai but Japanese-made, simple design - Mino, and Iron) Tsuba to a showa-to, intending to use it for Iai (although more parts to have made...). My question is this; when fitting the seppa, is it correct to "carve out" the seppa's portion of the hitsu-ana if the seppa covers them somewhat or is it acceptable to leave the overlap in place?

 

I've seen both done, but am trying to be as accurate as possible.

 

Many thanks in advance for any input.

 

Curtis R.

 

BTW, for others who might be working on similar projects, I highly recommend http://www.yamatobudogu.com/Fittings_s/1.htm

[John A Stuart]

Here is my opinion. If there is no kogatana/ kozuka or kogai being used there is no need to alter the seppa. That way you have that nice tooled edge instead of a trimmed crescent. John

[CurtisR]

Thank you John, that was my 'gut feeling' but want to get it right. It's a decent blade and i want to do it justice (which is why the remainder of the fittings will be done by professional craftsmen!).

 

I sincerely appreciate the knowledge that I gain here on NMB!

 

Curtis R.

Denver, CO

[Soshin]

Hi Curtis R.,

 

I have a Gendaito in Budo mounts (my term) that I use for Batto training it came with brass seppa with leather back and made the tsuka a very tight fit. Not sure if the information is helpful but wanted to share.

[CurtisR]

Thank you David (very cool website BTW!)...I never thought of using leather but it's a great idea. My Sensei uses a Koto sword and his tsuba is getting loose. Perhaps I'll amaze him with that little trick as well - or at least suggest it as a temporary fix. With leather, once it wears thin it could be easily replaced, too. I like it!

 

My next piece of the puzzle will be a new Tsuka & wrap but not sure who I'll have do the work as yet. Thinking I'd like the tsuka and saya done by one sayashi, but would also need the tsukamaki as well so...decisions, decisions .

 

Curtis R.

[Soshin]

Hi Curtis R.,

 

I will try to post a photo of the brass/leather seppa after work to show you what I am talking. about.

[Tanto54]

Dear Curtis,

 

While I think that it is really personal preference (and John may have lots more experience), I would recommend having the seppa trimmed. Not only will it give a more polished look (in my opinion), but more importantly, I believe that it will be better for use. Depending upon the amount of overlap and seppa material, the edge of the seppa could be bent over time or could even cause lacerations to your hands. I would have the seppa trimmed about 1/16 of an inch back from the anna and use the same tooled edge as the rest of the seppa (or at a minimum round off any sharp edges).

[Uechi]

Leather works great for taking up the slack when another sepa won't fit or is extremely tight. I have used it with great results and not difficult to shape.

[CurtisR]

True George, it could bend which would put a damper on a finger or two for sure (well, you know what I mean lol). Hmmm...seems to be an issue of a combo of safety AND aesthetics. Perhaps the solution will be to get smaller diameter seppa.

 

And to David, yes please do post a pic or two of the leather/seppa combination if you get the chance - I'm pretty sure I know what you mean but it's better to be sure, eh?

 

Great info from all, and thank you again!

 

Curtis

[Soshin]

Hi Curtis R.,

 

Here are three photos of the brass/leather seppa I was talking about. My martial arts sword also has one more seppa that is all leather not shown. Hope you find it helpful.

[Ken-Hawaii]

With all the humidity changes out here in Hawaii, my wife & I both use leather seppa on nearly all our iaito blades, & two of our Nihonto that we use in SMR Jodo training.

 

My wife can knock them out in just a minute or two.

 

Ken

[CurtisR]

Thanks for posting the pics David - that makes perfect sense, and although here in Colorado we don't have the humidity that Ken would have to deal with, it looks like a neat little trick & easy to do! I'm finding it's the little tips and planning that can save a LOT of work (and money from learning the hard way ) .

 

Again, I appreciate everyone's thoughts and experience.

 

Curtis R.