Ok. I got my Honzon Token and new questions :) ?

[hxv]

I would think that when a sword flexes and bends, it acts like a cantilever with the tsuka acting as the stationary anchor point. The habaki probably won't need to flex or distort. In other words, the area of the sword under the habaki feels a great deal of shear stress, but does not experience a great deal of strain.

 

Regards,

Hoanh

[nagamaki - Franco]

Although the sword makers and samurai did not have the benefits of high speed film, they had the benefit of direct feedback in the way of broken swords and habaki, I'm sure from there they were able to figure things out.

[nagamaki - Franco]

I would think that when a sword flexes and bends, it acts like a cantilever with the tsuka acting as the stationary anchor point. The habaki probably won't need to flex or distort. In other words, the area of the sword under the habaki feels a great deal of shear stress, but does not experience a great deal of strain.

 

Regards,

Hoanh

 

Perhaps, but if something needs to go because of overwhelming energy, best be the habaki, no?

[Dr Fox]

My understanding of the habaki, and its purpose, regardless of the metal used to make it. Is that its function is to prevent the tsuba sliding up the blade, the tsubu in its turn, is to prevent the hand running up onto the blade.

The thrust of the sword in a stabbing mode is greatly increased by the hand butting up to and pushing against the tsuba, this is especially true when the long sword is used one handed.

I have never associated it as an anti flex device. Although a close fitting item, it is still only a collar.

[seattle1]

Hello:

As for the role of the habaki in benefitting the functionality of the blade in use, that role might be more physically limited than has been implied as Brian Tschernega pointed out to me that the only place the habaki should be in contact with the blade is at the small sections at its top and bottom, i.e., not at its sides.

Arnold F.

[cabowen]

I have never heard of the habaki playing any role as a shock absorber but I wouldn't discount it completely. My understanding of its primary role has always been the part it plays in properly mating with the saya to insure a tight fit.

[nagamaki - Franco]

Seasons Greetings to All,

 

My understanding of its primary role has always been the part it plays in properly mating with the saya to insure a tight fit.

 

Yes, a tight fit works to isolate the blade to perform it's function. Any looseness could result in failures. Also exactly why the mention of cutting tests with just a bare blade for emphasis.

 

as Brian Tschernega pointed out to me that the only place the habaki should be in contact with the blade is at the small sections at its top and bottom, i.e., not at its sides.

 

Quite amazing that such small contact areas can be so effective. It points out the skill and ability of the habaki maker, as it is not a simple feat. This also ties into the habaki being able to slip over a wide nakago. People sometimes gasp at the price of a habaki, but they are worth every dollar as so much goes into making one.

 

My understanding of the habaki, and its purpose, regardless of the metal used to make it. Is that its function is to prevent the tsuba sliding up the blade, the tsubu in its turn, is to prevent the hand running up onto the blade.

..............

I have never associated it as an anti flex device. Although a close fitting item, it is still only a collar.

 

The fit of all the pieces are in essence critical, but perhaps none more than the habaki as it is the piece that locks everything tight into place.

 

What got me thinking about the habaki's roll has a fail safe device was again that high speed film and the thought that if the habaki in such a case were made of iron which is much less forgiving, there is a much greater chance of failure as any sudden surge of energy at a single point in the transfer would not be good. And if one thinks about it, of all the things to fail if failure were to occur, the habaki would probably be the best choice especially if it saves the blade from catastrophically failing. I would imagine IF this was indeed the case, way back when, the artisans would have eventually, if not quickly, picked up on the fact that blades with iron habaki suffered more failures than with softer metal habaki.

 

Add to that end with the changes in fittings that would in time come and occurred into the Shinto period, the use of such precious metals as silver and gold in habaki making would be very much in step.

 

Something else to consider when deciding on habaki is that while iron habaki may be in fitting and considered more appropriate with earlier swords by some, an iron habaki raises the risk of scratching as well as possible damage to the ha-machi in handling.

[b.hennick]

If you have any iron habaki that you don't want please contact me as I collect them (only two to date).