Just finished my first Habaki

[OnTime2Day]

Decided to practice on my old, worn mumei Wakizashi. Fits like a glove. Here are a few pics through process. I will go thicker next time. Thoughts?

 

All started with a copper pipe from Home Depot. Next is the Shirasaya, which is half done showing in background of last pic ( several blanks of Ho wood secured from Japan)

[Ford Hallam]

Dont use pipe, it's far too thin and you have no mune as a consequence. Also, because it's so thin there's no possibility of a taper from the seppa side to the leading edge, which is crucial to the actual function of a habaki acting as a wedge into the saya.

 

I'd suggest getting a copy of The Craft of the Japanese Sword by Yoshihara and Kapp. There's a detailed chapter on the making of habaki which will provide everything you need to know to do a proper job.

[ROKUJURO]

Ryan,

what is a HABAKI meant to do? 

Good attempt, but as you have altready mentioned, the material is too thin to give a good three-dimensional fit in the KOIGUCHI. This tight fit secures the blade while preventing air and moisture floating into the SAYA.

[Brian]

Ryan,
In the interests of not making this a how-to forum, especially since most of these parts are far more intricate and serve more purposes than they seem, I would recommend you post this on the http://www.followingtheironbrush.org/index.php forum, as they are far better set up for craftsmen to learn the arts.
Thanks for your understanding.

Edit to add: Ah, I see Ford replied...perfect. I'll be locking this shortly.

[OnTime2Day]

Great feedback, thanks all!