Need Help

[Michael 67]

Hi,

 

I found this little wakizashi. How can I remove the old solid fat without breaking anything? How do I get the blade from the tsuka? I think that the blade is glued with fat in the Tsuka.

 

I'm grateful for your help.

 

Michael

[seattle1]

Hello:

 You might try putting a block of wood against the tsuka at the habaki juncture and hammering it smartly, being careful to avoid hitting the blade or habaki. You stand a good chance of the blade moving out of the tsuka.

 Arnold F.

[Stefan]

Ich schreibe das mal auf Deutsch. einfach Spiritus, Küchentücher und viel Geduld

Gruß

Stefan

[ROKUJURO]

Michael,

if it is indeed old grease, then any solvent (isopropylic alcohol or acetone) will clean the surface without any harm to the steel. Removing the TSUKA should be no problem, if there was grease or wax involved. Take a piece of wood and place it on the TSUKA (not on the wooden HABAKI!). Tapping with a wooden (or plastic) mallet should cause the TSUKA to come free.

I once had a similar problem, but in my case, the TSUKA was glued with epoxy to the NAKAGO. There was no other way, I had to destroy the TSUKA to get it off.    

Good luck!

[Michael 67]

 

 

Thanks for the quick answers to my questions. I'll send photos when I'm finished.

[Surfson]

I agree with Jean.  I keep a bottle of acetone handy, and it cuts grease like this wonderfully without affecting the steel.   In fact, many times I have obtained swords with some staining from dried choji oil, and acetone with a Q-tip removes it completely.  Just be sure to do it in a well ventilated area and don't touch the solvent with your skin.  

[Michael 67]

so, now the blade is almost completely clean. Thanks for the tip with the wood to remove the Tsuka. There is no signature. Do you have an idea what period and what school that can be.

 

Sorry for the bad photos

 

 

Michael

[Jason N]

so, now the blade is almost completely clean. Thanks for the tip with the wood to remove the Tsuka. There is no signature. Do you have an idea what period and what school that can be.

 

Sorry for the bad photos

 

 

Michael

I cannot comment on the period or school, but to me, it has an appealing form and the blade appears to be quite healthy. Nice find. ????

[Bazza]

The nakago jiri (tang end) would suggest a Kaga province blade, possibly a kazuuchimono from the 1500s, but that would need someone knowledgeable to look at "in the hand".

 

BaZZa.

[Surfson]

I agree Bazza, that was my thought too.

[vajo]

Kaga jiri. I think Muromachi period.

[ROKUJURO]

No, not KATASOGI NAKAGO (KAGA), but IRIYAMAGATA JIRI. MEKUGI ANA looks drilled, not punched. Better photos are needed which are not shot in an angle.