Bags for Koshirae / Shirasaya

[Jrbjag]

I'm trying to decide whether to purchase bags for a few nihonto I've purchased.  I generally plan to display the swords I own.

Highly likely I'm over-thinking this, but is there a practical reason for having a bag for a nihonto?

Best,

John

[Grey Doffin]

Hi John,

Every sword you care about needs a bag for storage. The bag prevents UV fading and deterioration of handle wrap and sageo, and protects the sword from dust and curious fingers of people who don't understand how to handle the sword. Padded bags protect lacquered sayas. Also, if a sword is picked up up-side down, it won't fall out of the saya to the floor if it is in a bag.

Of course, if a sword is on display you don't want it in a bag but, for reasons stated above, maybe you don't want all of your swords on permanent display.

Grey