Type 98 metal saya

[Nicholas]

Hello everyone,

 

  I am curious to know if anyone has ever had the wooden inserts on a type 98 saya made. I have a sword I would like to get polished but I’d like to keep it in the military koshirae it came in but the wood inside the metal casing is worn out and probably full of nasty stuff that’s not good for a freshly polished sword. Is there anyone that has done this before. Can anyone please point me in the right direction.

p.s. I know the alternative is having a shirasaya made.

 

Thank you

Regards,

Nick

[Bruce Pennington]

Have you tried taking your old ones out yet? I have found some of mine will come out, and some refuse all attempts to be removed.  I like your idea though!

[Nicholas]

I’ve tried and it seems weak and might break if I force it. I don’t want to accidentally break it and have nothing to store the sword in for the time being. It would be great to find someone to replace them.

[John C]

10 minutes ago, NickC said:

I’ve tried and it seems weak and might break if I force it.

Nick:

It might seem silly, but wait until a day when the humidity is really low. The wood should shrink a bit and may slide out.

John C.

[Nicholas]

I gave it another go and managed to remove it safely. It appears to be all there a few splits in the wood but the cutting edge of the sword seems to be exposed the majority of the way down the saya. As if the wood has shrunk or it never fit right in the first place. I’ll post some pics of what I’m talking about.

[Nicholas]

[Nicholas]

[PNSSHOGUN]

When you have the Shirasaya made you could request new liners be made at the same time. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Well, I don't know if @robinalexander wants his name to be mentioned publicly (HA! Sorry Rob!) but he made a replacement liner for me a little while ago.  Might contact him about it.

[robinalexander]

[John C]

Nick:

Are the other parts marked with a number 34 or 43?

John C.

[robinalexander]

Hi Nick, but seriously ...the original 'saya insert build thread' is shown below FYI.

 

Couple of extra bragging pics below of Bruce's start/finished saya insert.  Bruce was only missing one which meant the new one had to be matched. The 'tool' shown helps a lot. Can be made from bradawl or in this case, a thin cooking skewer bent just at the tip.

 

Now the thing is I've only done 95's and they take ages, I have to be in the mood and I have to keep reminding myself when to stop for the day (bit like painting a picture). You don't need the original blade or saya for 95's because there all pretty compatible but with all others 94/97/98, civilian, the whole kit a caboodle would be needed to ensure a match. Funny, but I think a shirasaya would be much easier than trying to match inserts.

 

Have done a couple for a sword mate over here and i enjoyed it (especially when done) but to be honest I couldn't charge for them because the cost would probably outweigh the benefit, mainly due the length of time it takes me, the procrastination and at times, frustration.  Bit like building a scale wooden model sailing ship...... never reflects time put in. Plus I really dont want to make it a business. 

 

But I'm more than happy to talk with anyone about process, tips and materials and can send pics of stages.

 

Rob

 

 

 

[Nicholas]

20 hours ago, John C said:

Nick:

Are the other parts marked with a number 34 or 43?

John C.

John all the fittings have 3 lines carved into it like on the saya liner.

19 hours ago, robinalexander said:

Hi Nick, but seriously ...the original 'saya insert build thread' is shown below FYI.

 

Couple of extra bragging pics below of Bruce's start/finished saya insert.  Bruce was only missing one which meant the new one had to be matched. The 'tool' shown helps a lot. Can be made from bradawl or in this case, a thin cooking skewer bent just at the tip.

 

Now the thing is I've only done 95's and they take ages, I have to be in the mood and I have to keep reminding myself when to stop for the day (bit like painting a picture). You don't need the original blade or saya for 95's because there all pretty compatible but with all others 94/97/98, civilian, the whole kit a caboodle would be needed to ensure a match. Funny, but I think a shirasaya would be much easier than trying to match inserts.

 

Have done a couple for a sword mate over here and i enjoyed it (especially when done) but to be honest I couldn't charge for them because the cost would probably outweigh the benefit, mainly due the length of time it takes me, the procrastination and at times, frustration.  Bit like building a scale wooden model sailing ship...... never reflects time put in. Plus I really dont want to make it a business. 

 

But I'm more than happy to talk with anyone about process, tips and materials and can send pics of stages.

 

Rob

 

 

 

No worries Rob. I know it’s a big job I appreciate the response. I think I’m going to have to have a shirasaya made for the sword when I have it polished and inquire about the liners.