Tsuka rewrap question.

[obiwanknabbe]

 I have the original tsuka for my Motoyasu wakizashi with some good quality fittings. The issue is the samegawa is shot. Nodules mostly missing as seen in the pics and splitting on the other side. What is the concensus on having it re wrapped?

[Oldman]

Whether "original" or a fairly old re-wrap, since the tsukamaki looks intact and well done I personally would leave it alone. It seems to me that  a degree of 'wabi sabi' is attractive in an older sword, unless you're going for full "restoration."

Cheers, Michael BC

[kissakai]

100% agree with Michael

It will only have this patina once

 

[Matsunoki]

It’s perfectly possible to patch up the samegawa if you are careful and use the real thing, not plastic. It can be gently stained to match. Many of the larger missing nodules were often not real nodules anyway but stuck on carved bone that have simply fallen out. 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

If you do go the rewrap route, be prepared to pay medium to large bucks, unless you do it yourself or know someone special. Does the value of the sword allow for such expense on a wrap?

 

So, do you prefer the refreshed look, and are you willing to shell out?

 

PS Myself I tend to want to 'improve' things I've bought! (In a good, suitable way of course.)

[ROKUJURO]

Parts like SAYA, TSUKA-ITO and TSUKA were often repaired, renewed or replaced in SAMURAI times, so if it were mine, I would consider having it redone with good material by a professional (if I had the means, that is...).  

Of course I would keep the same style and not choose neon-green TSUKA ITO and pink SAME. 

[Tim Evans]

8 hours ago, Matsunoki said:

It’s perfectly possible to patch up the samegawa if you are careful and use the real thing, not plastic. It can be gently stained to match. Many of the larger missing nodules were often not real nodules anyway but stuck on carved bone that have simply fallen out. 

 

What you need are some scrap pieces of same' to cut and fit. You can find old unwrapped tsuka on yahoo Japan/jauce or, try a want ad here on NMB for old tsuka or same', or, you can try a tsukamaki-shi such as montanairon.com (David McDonald) to see if he has any small pieces available. To insert a new piece, wet the silk wrap so that it will stretch a little and then slide in the replacement piece with some white glue on the back. Same' is basically leather, so it is easier to form and cut if you soak it in water a bit first. 

[ROKUJURO]

SAME is hide, not leather. That is why it expands when soaked in water and shrinks while drying.
But there is also SAME leather available for decorative purposes.

I have seen SAME repaired by Japanese craftsmen. They did their very best, but In my opinion, it is always obvious and never nice.

[Alex A]

Was speaking with a Japanese dealer just this week about a koshirae with similar issues. Said over time the Same shrinks and cracks.

 

Personally, like stuff being left alone as much as possible, i think the tsuka above should be preserved the best you can.

 

I kind of get a bit obsessed with koshirae/tsuka being original from the Edo period, a sword hanging on to its history. As the dealer pointed out, that was 150 years ago, so even if you come across one that appears a little tired and has some age about it, there is still no guarantee it hadn't been rewrapped since. Maybe, maybe not.

 

I dont mind new Ito if necessary, what i cant stand is new whiteish same on an old sword. Saw a sword in koshirae for sale the other day at Aoi, liked the sword but could not live with the koshirae, just on that note. A bad rewrap and then it needs to be done again.