Honoki.

[Dave R]

 Something that arose in a discussion on the way to the Royal Armouries meeting last night. Was Honoki always used for the Tsuka of Shin-Gunto? Traditionally, Honoki seasoned for 7 years and grown some miles from the coast was the timber of choice for Saya and Tsuka, but in a wartime economy when substitutes are being used for all sorts of stuff, did they keep rigidly to that specification.

 If they did substitute another wood, does anyone know what it was? Just one of those odd thoughts that came to mind all of a sudden.

[paul griff]

Hello Dave,

To be honest and after all these years I didn't realise honoki was the material of choice for saya and tsuba...The wood has some very interesting characteristics which has led me to some interesting reading....Cannot help you with your question but thank's for the post..

Regards,

Paul..

[Kai-Gunto]

Only Honoki was used.

[Dave R]

I wonder if that's why the stuff is not so easy to get now! Tens of thousands of swords made in one decade, and all mounted with honoki.