BjornLundin Posted January 14, 2023 Report Posted January 14, 2023 (edited) Hi Everyone, So I bought an old blade (waki) a few years ago that came with a wood saya in a leather gunto combat sheat. Blade has been polished and a new shirasaya is being made together with a tsunagi of the blade. I am thinking of restoring the gunto having the tsunagi there. The blade and gunto came of Australia, so it is possible it is from the pacific part of the war. The wooden saya is not in is best condition, and I am thinking it can be dismantled, cleaned and put back again with new lacquer for the saya and new horn details made. I am missing the tsuka, menuki, tsuba, etc... Now, I am speculating here and I think that the saya is older than the war and was repurposed for the young lad´s war effort. I think I read that later in the war, gunto swords could be in non arsenal fittings. Would it then be wrong to make a new tsuka with plain iron FK set (shirasaya maker had this set as an option, see photo)? For me, it feels right to the plain wooden saya and possible two mismatched menukis. I also need to find a replacement for the metal ring hanger? in the saya or try to make a new one, anyone has any ideas for this. Then also there should be a leather safety strap to secure the blade to the saya. Also tsuba options (plain iron?) So I need recommendations, feedback, help to not make a frankenstein, help to get it right All the best Björn Edited January 14, 2023 by BjornLundin Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted January 14, 2023 Report Posted January 14, 2023 Crimson Mist Militaria is a good place to look for parts. He's got quite a variety. I've bought stuff from him, and he's easy to work with. Since your set looks like it was a civil blade re-fitted, there is no limit to the arrangements you can choose from. I have seen them in fully civil fittings, but simply with the leather cover. I have seen civil tsuba with army tsuka. I have seen army tsuba with civil tsuka. And I have seen civil tsuka with army kabutogane. So, literally, any combo would be period legit. Quote
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