Repairing Kurikata

[bubba-san]

Hello how are you . I have been trying to repair broken Kurikata . I have tried several types of glue , super glue, epoxy, polyurethane, wood glue ?? nothing seems to bond to it ? I also tried cleaning it . still no luck

 

Any ideas what might bond to buffalo horn Kurikata. I normally replace them but, I want sword to remain

original . Thank you........... James

[runagmc]

Hi James, That's the kurikata... and I don't know what to tell you... I would hve thought super glue would work.

[bubba-san]

I realised that after I posted it . Sorry for missnaming the piece I was in a hurry , had to Meet UPS driver

 

I tried super glue no dice ????

[Grey Doffin]

Hi James,

I don't think the problem is finding the right glue; I think proper technique is what's called for.

I would guess super glue or epoxy would have worked well, but the problem now is, due to the residue of the different glues you've tried already, you no longer have pristine surfaces to work with. Glues usually work by forming a chemical bond between 2 mating surfaces; they don't bridge gaps. Your surfaces have been messed with and the glue won't work.

The proper glue applied properly and clamped properly the 1st time should have fixed this. Chances are that your only option now is to have the kurigata replaced.

My original profession was furniture making/restoration. I've often said that you should have to be licensed in order to buy glue; I've seen so many botched, amateur glue jobs that couldn't be put right.

Hope I'm wrong and your kurigata can be rescued, but I don't think so.

Grey

[Brian]

I would carefully clean both surfaces of any residue, and then with a small drill, drill a small hole in one piece. Mark it with some kind of ink or something, and close both halves to see where the other piece meets. Then drill the other side carefully, and glue in a piece of wood like a piece of toothpick etc. Then glue both halves and clamp.

Not superglue...that has no flex. Better to use the epoxy glues you mix together.

 

Brian

[Ruben]

Hi James,

 

what about cutting the hole thing and leaving just 2-3 millimeters from the bottom and attaching a new one?

The gluing problem is still there than ....hmmm.

Sturgeon bladder glue or an other fish clue comes to my mind, but its little complicated to use them, especialy on horn.

What about urushi? Urushi is also a good glue!

Also birch tar is a strong clue when used as such.

 

Just few ideas...

 

regards

 

ruben

[runagmc]

I also use to be a professional cabinetmaker, and drilling alignment pegs into the tiny amount of surface there would be challenging, I think... and using specialized glues also seems counter productive in this case. I'm not sure what would be best, but maybe if you know a handyman, he can help. It should be able to be glued if you can get the surfaces clean without ruining them...

[bubba-san]

Thanks for the advice very much. I cleaned all surfaces with a strong solvent after each attempt.

 

I hate to do it but, I think I will replace it . Fred lohman has some nice horn pieces , I may also replace the

 

Kozuka Hitsu as it has a crack...... Thanks James

[ROKUJURO]

James,

 

this TSUBA repair may be a really demanding task (.....I may also replace the Kozuka Hitsu as it has a crack....). Replacing a hole by another one requires expertise! :D

 

A little more serious: if a modern glue has hardened, it is not successful in most cases to wipe away the residue, even strong solvents fail. I would suggest to remove all remaining glue from the surface by mechanical means, e.g. with a needle or some other pointed instrument. I am quite sure that a good 'two composers' epoxy will work then.

[Alex A]

I would try Jeans approach. Looks a fiddly job. For this to work the 2 surfaces need to be totally clean. The clamping needs to spot on. I would make something that fits underneath, so that when you do clamp it, it wont just cave in. I would use masking tape to clamp it or a rubber band etc. Look for a dark epoxy resin mix, i have seen black somewhere. Dont be tempted, like i usually am to poke it to see if its stuck :D , as i usually do!. Clamp it, then leave it for a good few hours.One of those jobs that will look a balls up if done wrong.

 

Alex.

[bubba-san]

I certainly appreciate the advice , at 66 years I always can learn something . I believe , since I wont be using the sword , gluing it is the best option as the kurikata is heavily laquered . It may crack the finish and would be hard to match color. So I will attempt to glue it based on the advice I have been given . Domo Arigato ........

 

James

[Dr Fox]

Dont shoot me I am only the messenger.

I know of a case where a powder horn of great value was damaged, and a piece became detached. It was repaired by a gentleman I knew who did a wondrous job. He explained that animal products ie hoofs and horns were made flexible with hot water. He made both surfaces hot by the use of water, and then glued the pieces together with (wait for it) horse hoof glue. glue that is actual ground hoofs, again activated with hot water.

 

Could great minds envisage this as an application here?

 

Denis.

[Alex A]

Not something you can pick up at Halfords then Denis?, maybe Hoofords will have it :D .

 

Alex.

[Dr Fox]

Well Alex, then gallop along and get some.

 

Denis.

[almeister]

Hi James ,

My 2 cents worth :

The other Guys have hit the nail on the head :

"Generally you get "1" chance to glue something - if you F*** it up - then normally you've blown it ! Nevertheless , have a deep breath & grab another beer & trial fit the broken piece back on its' position . does it fit well ?? If so : Super Glue is the best I've found . Don't use the home brand/hardware store cheap crap - it doesn't work ! The product I use is "LOCTITE 416 " It's brilliant - I've repaired steel/wood/porcelain & whatever else , no need to clamp anything - so long as the surfaces butt up properly - just glue it walk away & don't touch it for a while & it normally does the trick ! 2 part epoxys etc.. will only make a mess of everything & won't work !

PS - The Loctite part # may have changed by now ?? but look into it ! & for heavens sake don't get your eyelids stuck together !

All the Best .

AlanK

[JDinMT]

James,

If I may offer a suggestion, I've found it best to do any experimentation with some scrap pieces of like material, and then work on the part that matters. In this case joining buffalo horn together. Get some pieces of horn, it's readily available, and find which glue (lots of suggestions above) gives you the best results and then do the kurikata. I've found it the best approach and saves a lot of gut ache as well as what your working on (even more important).

 

 

John D.