Replacing a Tsuba

[GeorgeLuucas]

Hello all,

I have a wakisashi that I really like the koshirae. I was curious about the ethical implications of replacing the Tsuba? Also, is it a simple task of matching motohaba and kissane measurements, and maybe adding or removing a seppa? 

I'm thinking of replacing this fukurin tsuba thats worse-for-ware, and finding a Shakudo Kiri-mon Tsuba to match the fuchi and kashira. I know that might not be an easy thing to find, but it would be fun project to be on the lookout. 

Is this something that's way over my head; that I should forget about, and leave for an expert? Is it a taboo to change a part of the koshirae?

Thanks for reading! 
-Sam
 

[vajo]

You can change it if you find a tsuba that fits. 

Look for something like that

[rematron]

Hi Sam.

 

It's not taboo at all to switch out sword furniture.  If you're sentimental (like me) you can always keep the tsuba or other furniture that came with it as part of its history.

 

My best,

Jeremy

[GeorgeLuucas]

Thanks to both of you for your replies. That’s great to hear and know. It will be fun to look for a matching tsuba that fits

 

Chris, now THATS a beautiful tsuba. Basically exactly what I’m looking for. The nanako is amazing 

[Stephen]

I think the previous owners decided to keep the original and add that just so it would have a tsuba. 

 

Hope you find that just right one.

I have gone through many until I found the one "just right" I call it my Goldilocks. 😉

[Mark S.]

If it was a papered koshirae that was believed to be originally configured a certain way, then yes, it might be a collector’s / historical faux pas.  But in this case, who knows who put it on when?  Good luck with the hunt.

[Baba Yaga]

What??? Find a Tsuba which you like, matches, or whatever and have a craftsmen fit it to your sword.  

[GeorgeLuucas]

12 minutes ago, Baba Yaga said:

What??? Find a Tsuba which you like, matches, or whatever and have a craftsmen fit it to your sword.  

I did not even consider this as a possibility. That’s a good idea too. Thank you!

 

It will be a fun thing to hunt for. I’ll be at the SF Nihonto show in August, maybe I’ll find one there 

 

Thanks again everyone, as always y’all are a big help. 

Cheers,

-Sam  

[dimitri]

I just saw this on ebay and thought of you.

https://www.ebay.com...04ef&redirect=mobile

[GeorgeLuucas]

I still haven’t found the perfect tsuba in my budget, but I found one that’s a much better place-holder, in my opinion.

 

Obviously not perfect, but it fits much better, and I like the size of it more. I like how the negative space easily allows you to see the fuchi from more angles 

[dimitri]

Very nice!

[Stephen]

Just seen this. 

Saya is not kosher to my eye IMHO I'd have John T make you a proper one.

The ashi looks like it's from a NCO.

Tsuba as you say works for now.

[GeorgeLuucas]

8 hours ago, Stephen said:

Just seen this. 

Saya is not kosher to my eye IMHO I'd have John T make you a proper one.

The ashi looks like it's from a NCO.

Tsuba as you say works for now.

Thank you Stephen!  

 

The saya definitely needs some work. I find it strange that the hanger implies the blade being worn blade-down on such a short sword. 
 

I’ve let this blade intrigue me enough to send it to a Togishi. It’s in the mail now

 

Ill let you know what the togishi says. I am cautiously hoping that it’s worth a restoration and I can experience bringing a sword back to life. If not, it will live in my collection and be admired for what it is

 

here’s a link to my other post with more blade photos 

 

cheers,

-Sam 

[Stephen]

Like I alluded to I don't believe the Saya is original to sword.

 

[GeorgeLuucas]

8 minutes ago, Stephen said:

Like I alluded to I don't believe the Saya is original to sword.

 

Oops, my misunderstanding,
You are probably right!

I am looking forward to hearing what the Togishi has to say about it. Even if it's nothing special, it's been a helpful and interesting study tool for newbie like me
 

[Stephen]

1 hour ago, GeorgeLuucas said:

Oops, my misunderstanding,
You are probably right!

I am looking forward to hearing what the Togishi has to say about it. Even if it's nothing special, it's been a helpful and interesting study tool for newbie like me
 

What ever it turns out to be your saving a bit of history. 

The most important part of our hobby.

 

[Stephen]

PS It doesn't have to be a important masterpiece..

[GeorgeLuucas]

17 minutes ago, Stephen said:

PS It doesn't have to be a important masterpiece..

I agree, I just hope it’s not too pitted, or tired

 

Whatever the togishi can tell me about it will be a big learning experience for me too. He helped me years ago with my inherited sword, and I’m still grateful for that 

 

As always, I appreciate your input! I’ll let you know how it goes, and hoping for the best,

-Sam

[Stephen]

Sam please do.

Did you see SF show thread?

That last nanako Pic posted.....should have been yours ...😉😂