Fuchi Size

[Henry Wilson]

What size of fuchi is about right for fitting on a katana?

[Ted Tenold]

Henry,

 

It's a little subjective depending on the size of the sword, but in *general* Katana sized fuchi start at 38 mm x 22 mm outside dimension. The larger the dimensions becomes, say, 39 mm x 23.5 mm the more difficult they are to find. The difference in the overall shape of the tsuka is greatly affected by even one half of a millimeter of dimension in either direction, and furthermore determines the tolerances of construction in relation to the nakago. Also, the wall thickness needs to be considered, because even thought the outside dimension may be suitable for the finished handle shape, if the interior dimension is confined due to a thicker wall of material, the tolerances are still diminished.

 

Getting into the dimensions of 37.5 (ha to mune) doesn't necessarily mean it won't fit a katana, and therefore doesn't make it a "wakizashi" sized fuchi by definition, but the handle will have a more petite form, and the nakago will have to be compatibly sized. The abundance of fuchis in the 37.5 mm range or less is somewhat of a testimony (at least to me) of their more common use for wakizashi and tanto by shear body of extant sword sizes.

 

All in all the sword determines the minimum size of fuchi required, and the user determines the maximum dimension for handle profile preferences.

 

Hope this helps.

[Henry Wilson]

Thanks Ted

 

That is a great response. I need to chew on it as it is quite detailed.