Sword Customizations - Tsuka (Handle)
Your Tsuka (Handle) can be rewrapped in silk, leather, or cotton. When
re-wrapping the menuki can be replaced with your own, or you can purchase a
new set from our selection of menuki. The
wooden core and same' (ray skin) can also be replaced. New Fuchi /
Kashira (fittings) can be used with a new core or an old core that has
similar sized fittings. Feel free to supply the fittings or purchase a
new set from our selection of Fuchi / Kashira. We focus on making the tsuka-ito tight and
the sword functional. Please email us at
info@nihonzashi.com to discuss different options. If the specific
customization is not listed here, just email us at info@nihonzashi.com to get
a quote. We will also be glad to give you advice if you want to tackle the
job yourself.
Full replacement of you tsuka using existing
fittings. If you want to replace the fittings, you
will need to get Fuchi/Kashira and Menuki. Just
select core replacement, same' replacement (full, panel
with center nodes, panel) and wrap (cotton, silk, or
leather). Tanto are often have full same' and no
wrap. Please order any handle customization
services using the Katana,
Wakizashi, or
Tanto price lists at the bottom of this
page.
The nakago and tsuka will be
shortened with the fittings and wrap re-used. Handles can be shortened
in increments of approximately 1/2". It must have an even number of
wrap widths removed to keep the new knot in the right place.
The ito is clamped and un-wrapped back past the point the tsuka
will be shortened to. The core is cut down and reshaped to fit the kojiri.
The tsuka ito is then re-tied to finish the shortened handle. Please order
any handle customization services using the Katana,
Wakizashi, or
Tanto price lists at the bottom of this
page.
A handle blank is split and then carved out to custom fit to the nakago.
It is glued back together and the outside is carved to make the inner shape of
the handle. The handle blank is fit to the fuchi and kashira. Ray
skin (Same') may need to be replaced if there is none or the old pieces do not
fit the new handle. Please order any handle customization services using
the Katana,
Wakizashi, or
Tanto price lists at the bottom of this
page.
The Same' (Ray Skin) is added or replaced on a tsuka. Same' is a tough
raw hide ray skin with a distinctive texture and positive grip. This may
be needed if the handle is new or if it was originally made without same'.
A full wrap handle has the same' wrapped completely around the core increasing
the strength and integrity of the handle. Most handles have panel same'
inserts. The same' is inlaid in the core in two strips on either side of
the tsuka. This reduces the amount of ray skin used and makes a more
economical solution. The center of the ray skin has larger nodules with a
central "king" or "emperor" nodule. There is only one per skin, and using
it increases the cost of the same' replacment. Please order any handle
customization services using the Katana,
Wakizashi, or
Tanto price lists at the bottom of this
page.
Existing or replacement ray skin can be lacquered black or any other color to give a tsuka a
different theme. This can only be done if a handle is being re-wrapped.
We can custom mix any lacquer color. Please order any handle customization services using the Katana,
Wakizashi, or
Tanto price lists at the bottom of this
page.
Our focus is making the wrap as tight as possible to keep if
functional as long as possible. You can choose from various colors of
cotton, silk, or leather. Please order any handle customization services
using the Katana,
Wakizashi, or
Tanto price lists at the bottom of this
page.
Tori in Blue Cotton
Customization costs should be pre-paid.
Please include return shipping with your
payment. Please send a copy of your Paypal receipt and any special instructions
with the sword. Swords will be returned in their original packaging. Normal
customizations will take from 4 to 8 weeks, but expect an extra delay for
lacquer finishes.
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