Want to get shirasaya made

[bloodycarrots]

I want to get a shirasaya made for my sword. Is there anyone in the USA that does that work? How much does it generally cost? Any links or contact information would be appreciated. 

[Mark S.]

I’ve used Mike Virgadamo

Because everything is determined by amount of work, size of blade and if you have habaki or he needs to make wood habaki integral with shirasaya, you are probably looking at $300 to $600 (ESTIMATED) plus shipping (your blade to him and then the shipping back). 

[bloodycarrots]

6 hours ago, Mark S. said:

I’ve used Mike Virgadamo

Because everything is determined by amount of work, size of blade and if you have habaki or he needs to make wood habaki integral with shirasaya, you are probably looking at $300 to $600 (ESTIMATED) plus shipping (your blade to him and then the shipping back). 

Do you have contact info or a link?

[Brian]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Ray also recommends Josiah Boomershine.

[Mark]

i have had Josiah make me a few shirasaya. He has had reasonable turn around time.

[bloodycarrots]

Any link or contact info would be helpful. It’s nice to know the names. But I need to be able to contact these people directly. And google is failing me. In this instance. 

[Mark S.]

6 hours ago, bloodycarrots said:

Do you have contact info or a link?

Working on it.  I have only had a shirasaya made as part of the polishing process so have not had direct contact with him. Let me see what I can do.

[Mark S.]

PM sent

[Brian]

Forget Google. Search this forum for those last names and all will be revealed

[bloodycarrots]

10 hours ago, Brian said:

Forget Google. Search this forum for those last names and all will be revealed

I have seached the forum. But I can’t find a single contact anywhere. Other than the PM I got from Mark S.  If you have contact information for anyone else that could make what I’m looking for that would be appreciated. I would like to get a couple of quotes if possible. 

[Brian]

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/52285-tsunagi-maker-sought-in-north-america/#comment-546002

 

Mike Virgadamo is kinda under the radar and doesn't really publish contact details online, but I think his phone number is in the book, and someone will have pm'ed you his details.

[Trigunkid]

I too am looking for a shirasaya made for a sword.  I have messaged John Tirado on Instagram multiple times but never heard back.  Can’t find an email or any contact info for anyone else.  Will reach out to Josiah as well, if anyone knows any others it would be greatly appreciated! 

[bloodycarrots]

On 5/31/2025 at 3:25 PM, Trigunkid said:

I too am looking for a shirasaya made for a sword.  I have messaged John Tirado on Instagram multiple times but never heard back.  Can’t find an email or any contact info for anyone else.  Will reach out to Josiah as well, if anyone knows any others it would be greatly appreciated! 

I have been talking with Wally Hostetter. He’s pretty responsive and has a wide range of stuff he can make. Decent pricing too. You can fill out a contact form on his website. https://shiningmoon13.com/contact-us/

just tell him what you’re looking for and he’ll give you an initial estimate. He doesn’t accept any electronic payments though. But, he does say you don’t pay until the work is done and he shows you pictures/video and you approve. After which you can mail send a check or money order.