Canvas Saya Covers

[Nazar]

Not exactly a canvas, but definitely saya cover. 

 

https://www.mournemilitaria.com/en-GB/edge-weapons/imperial-Japanese-m1899-type-32-cavalry-sabre-gunto/prod_13721

 

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

I was initially tempted to say this was done by sailors or G.I.s on the way back home, but it looks to have plenty of wear & tear.  Could have been done in the field.  

[Nazar]

Maybe it was a kind of makeshift cover to hide steel saya. Here is another example of makeshift covers (source - ebay) put over what seems to be leather field cover. Winter camo? 

 

 

 

[robinalexander]

Hello Nazar, 

 

Good picture.....this 'string binding' of sayas has been mentioned before, maybe on the leather combat cover thread?

 

I believe many of those seen are period, in fact I have a copper 95 with the tell tale makings of old (long gone) string binding.

 

Of course, both metal and wooden sayas had leather covers in the combat environment but what happened if you were transferred without the benefit of a leather cover or yours simply rotted off in the tropics.....string? 

 

My belief is that it may have been done to both camouflage and also, possibly more importantly, to reduce any noise occurring from the steel saya hitting the many other metal military objects carried.  Sound carries!

 

Rob

[Scogg]

Great summary Rob. My beliefs reflect your own.

I am sure that I have shared my example below maybe in the leather covered thread; but here it is to add to the string discussion. 

I have an early Aluminum Type 95 (Variation#2, SUYA, serial number 7249), that has a string wrapped scabbard. It was applied with an incredible amount of care and precision. Note how the string is not tied at any place, but is rather tucked neatly into itself (see last image). It appears to be coated with some kind of glue or "hardener", I am not sure, but it feels like it's had something applied over the top. Its very cleanly done, and VERY tight.

I have always assumed it was wartime, or immediately post-war. I rather like it, and think it adds some character. I do not know if it holds any relevance to the string discussion, but the scabbard on my sword is a unit armorer replacement and is unserialized. 

All the best,
-Sam