Removing tight bamboo mekugi

[Paz]

Hi all 

 

I'm trying to remove a mekugi from a koshiare which is fitted with tsunagi bamboo blade. 

As I'm trying to examine the writing on the fuchi and mount a blade and tsuba for viewing only. 

 

My mekugi nuki hammer has managed to get the mekugi all the way through easily but now it's pretty difficult with 30 percent left. 

 

Is their a way to do this ie wooden mallet ? Or just carry on persisting. 

 

Thanks 

[Tensho]

Did you go the correct way? Mekugi are tapered, and only removed one way. Sounds like you're tapping it out the wrong way. The holes in the Tsuka are also tapered(one side bigger diameter) 

[Paz]

51 minutes ago, Tensho said:

Did you go the correct way? Mekugi are tapered, and only removed one way. Sounds like you're tapping it out the wrong way. The holes in the Tsuka are also tapered(one side bigger diameter) 

After re checking it. Looks like so. I've done it before on other swords as the mekugi are not tapered. Its difficult to tell from both ends with this one , but I imagine that's the issue right now. 

 

So I will have to go the other way carefully. 

 

Update 

Fixed it. 

 

Thanks