Restoration Wakizashi

[Freedomnasa]

Hi everyone, I’d like to share a recent restoration project. My goal for this piece was simple: "It doesn't have to be pristine; it just has to be 'Real'." I focused on an aging process (restoration) that respects the blade’s history rather than hiding it. However, during the process, I discovered some fascinating technical details on the Nakago (tang) that I’d love to get your thoughts on.

Blade Details & Findings:

blade long : 21 inc ,thickness :7-8 mm (Wakizashi)

The Nakago: Features heavy Tagane-ato (chisel marks) and a deep patina.

The Mystery Mark: I found a deep hole that was drilled/punched but did not go all the way through.

The Evidence: Upon inspecting the original wood handle (Tsuka), I found a deep indentation matching the hole’s position perfectly. Inside that hole, there were traces of a soft metal—likely lead.

My Restoration Work:

Tsuka (Handle): Rebound in a deep crimson wrap, aged patina to match the dark iron fuchi-kashira (bird & bamboo motif).

Sageo: Classic black, also weathered to avoid looking "too new" against the Ishime-finish scabbard.

I would love to hear your insights on a few things:

Lead-filling (Counterweighting): How common is it to find lead-filled balance adjustments in period swords (Edo or earlier)?

The "Blind" Hole: Does this specific style of non-through-hole for balancing point to any particular school or regional craftsmanship?

Aesthetics: Does the aged crimson look do justice to a blade that is clearly "reached its era" (Toji-mono)?

Looking forward to learning from your collective expertise!

[Matsunoki]

Did you do that beautiful re wrap?

[Freedomnasa]

Dear Matsunoki

         I specified the design I wanted and had an expert create it for me.

Edited May 11 by Freedomnasa

[Brian]

That's a lovely tsuka wrap, congrats. Glad to see you didn't delve into metal restoration. The fittings so far look great.

[Freedomnasa]

Thank you very much for your comment Brian.

[Matsunoki]

3 hours ago, Freedomnasa said:

I specified the design I wanted and had an expert create it for me.

Well he did a superb job. That is top quality work.

[2devnul]

Hi, 

 

Welcome on the forum and good luck with the restoration. 

 

On 5/11/2026 at 10:23 AM, Freedomnasa said:

Lead-filling (Counterweighting): How common is it to find lead-filled balance adjustments in period swords (Edo or earlier)?

 

That is an interesting topic to me. I never heard/saw this type of 'adjustment' in Nihonto. Japanese swords are tip forward balanced, so indeed someone might wanted to move the balance in order to have better blade control. The idea of lead filling makes sense. Not sure about how much weight distribution will it change, but I know from experience that simple Tsuba swaps sometimes totally change the blade feeling. 

 

Still, I'm interested in any other examples of this type of solution. Any evidence it was done in Japan? Or maybe it is an sword owner idea/adjustment. Very none standard which makes the blade even more interesting. 

[tosogu_eu]

Hi there, its a beautiful piece and I honestly like the way ypu approached the restoration very much. Its beautiful and even though it is out of polish; it remains a lot of its aesthetic

 

a Beautiful nihonto. 

 

Congratulations on preserving this beautiful sword for the coming generations.

 

Best, Alex

[Freedomnasa]

On 5/21/2026 at 3:57 AM, tosogu_eu said:

Hi there, its a beautiful piece and I honestly like the way ypu approached the restoration very much. Its beautiful and even though it is out of polish; it remains a lot of its aesthetic

 

a Beautiful nihonto. 

 

Congratulations on preserving this beautiful sword for the coming generations.

 

Best, Alex

Thank you so much Alex  for liking it. I didn't polish the blade on this one because I wanted to showcase the blade's age and its natural charm.
 

Best 

Pown