handle for old (civil) nihonto

[kleber75]

Hello

there was a discussion around my nihonto blade which was finally dated to the 16th century or perhaps older.

 

In the end this blade was misused as an army sword during WW2 when the demand for swords was larger than factory output.

New holes had been drilled for a handle and the civil saya was fitted with hangers (I suppose).

The question:

Is there a chance to find a fitting handle or were the handles for these substitute swords one of a kind?

[ROKUJURO]

TSUKA are generally items of wear and were replaced when necessary. It might not be impossible to find a fitting TSUKA, but chances are slim. It would not make sense to me buying 20 TSUKA just to find out that none really fits.

In Japan, specialized craftsmen can adapt an "almost fitting" handle to an existing NAKAGO, but for security reasons this should not be done DIY by amateurs in case the sword was to be used (as in TAMESHIGIRI or IAIDO). 

[Rawa]

If you value this blade and you want to keep it go for new shirasaya. For me every blade is a completed project when it have proper shirasaya. Koshirae is for exposition. You have saya already dunno if need to be refreshed inside. There is one togishi in Italy. Maybe someone will post more info about him.

[ROKUJURO]

Marcin,

a TOGISHI is a blade sharpener/polisher.

[Rawa]

2 hours ago, ROKUJURO said:

Marcin,

a TOGISHI is a blade sharpener/polisher.

I know but one I have in mind also do other services.

It was probably Giorgio Movilli.

http://www.Japanese-sword.it/index.html

Maybe it's time to refresh list? In Europe there are some togishi. And sending to Japan for polish still requires shirasaya. It's owners call.

priceLlist_JapaneseSword-2019.pdf