Different Types Of Same Gawa

[vfox]

Hi all,

 

I need a little help identifying the different types of same on this tsuka. Any input is appreciated!

 

 

 

Jay

[PhoenixDude]

I believe thats sharkskin....

[vfox]

Thanks Jay.

 

Would shark skin be considered "better" or "worse" than ray skin, or is it just a matter of preference and availability?

[vajo]

First is shark, second is lizzard.

 

You find in different times all types of same, like shark, snake, lizzard or ray. In older times they use also Brokat (with Gold and Silver), or metal (silver or copper). In showa celluloid, cotton, "Leinen" or other things that are available.

 

Rayskin is only better when the pearls are big and worthy. 

[vfox]

Thank you Chris!

[SAS]

I am assuming that the two photos are showing the same tsuka......it appears that the area nearest the tsuba is rayskin, followed by sharkskin, and ending in rayskin again. Doesn't seem like top quality work. As far as i know, the purpose of the underlayment is to secure the wrapping in place, as there are little teeth-like structures on the skins that grip the lacing.

[PhoenixDude]

Ww2 gunto fittings like these typically used sharkskin, quick and dirty.

[Geraint]

Dear Jay.

 

I'm not sure that I am understanding you correctly.  As far as my limited experience goes all the gunto that I have seen or owned have used either same or the plastic equivalent.  My kaigunto has a sharksin saya but same for the tsuka.

Could you clarify?

 

All the best.

[ROKUJURO]

Together with the not original TSUKA-ITO, I suspect that the different types of fish skin are a result of a repair attempt and not original.

[PhoenixDude]

I have a gunto naval nco sword my grandfather captured in ww2. It has sharkskin same.

[vfox]

I'm pretty sure this is an army tsuka, but it's not the standard type. 

 

Maybe a late war piece?

 

If it helps, the menuki look like they were painted green too.

 

Adding a few more pics:

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the responses!

 

Jay