can tanned samegawa be userd for a tsuka?

[stevel48]

Here is the example. Seems more fashion related.

http://cgi.ebay.com/TOP-STINGRAY-PELT-S ... 5ad60fae7c

 

 

Is tanned stuff flexible vs dried samegawa?

[Stephen]

seen it sold at shows, a soaking should get it to where you can work it, if wrong im sure ill be corrected.

[Ted Tenold]

Tanned Samegawa is not suitable for tsuka construction in the traditional sense. Because it is tanned, it is flexible and soft. The samegawa that is used for tsuka is rawhide form. It's rock hard when dry and softens when soaked in water becoming hard again when dry again. The tanned stuff makes great wallets (mine is nearly 15 years old) and motorcycle seats though. :lol:

[Stephen]

not suitable for tsuka construction in the traditional sense.

 

true that but think some have done it. Thanks for the clarity Ted

[Jean]

I had it on a tanto handle, obviously the original same grains had been grounded, then it was lacquered and a one inch wide copper band had been added in the middle of which a hole had been drilled for the mekugi ana. Outstanding result.