Plastic (CD jewel cases) for tsuba

[Surfson]

I think that it's a creative idea John, and is a useful way to put those boxes of jewel cases to work.   With my wooden tsuba, FK, kozuka and menuki cases piling up, the space savings are not trivial.   The ability to put data sheets in the cover is also very cool, and I would be tempted to do this.  

 

I just want to share an experience that a friend had though.  He had nice leather bags made for his tsuba.  Over time, it turned out that the bags tarnished many of the tsuba, especially ones that were in shibuichi or shakudo.   I assume that it was caused by some of the chemicals used in the tanning process.  I have no idea what volatile chemicals might come out of those cases.   They are made of polystyrene though, and polystyrene can release gases, especially when heated such as in a microwave.  I can't tell you whether they release meaningful concentrations of gases at typical room temperatures though.  I would think that it is worth finding out though.