Tsuka question

[Jason Williams]

I am new to collecting and I have question about a recent purchase. I purchased a late Edo Katana through Aoi-Art and it is currently in NBTHK Shinsa(Japan). I noticed in the pictures of the Katana that the rayskin under the Tuska has a line running down the middle. My fist impression is that it is a crack, however the line is perfectly straight going from top to bottom(including though the tang hole in the ray skin).

 

I have seen this line in the ray skin's on many of the older Katana's, so I have been second guessing the crack theory. I have referred to all of the books I can get my hands on, however I have hit a brick wall. Any thoughts?

 

Sorry, I would have provided a picture of the Tuska, however the picture did not meet the requirements for the post.

 

Thank you,

Jason

[hxv]

Jason,

It's a seam, not a crack. You don't want to have a seam at either the top or bottom of the tsuka because these are the weak points you want to reinforce.

Hoanh

[Jason Williams]

That makes sense. Thank you, for the information Hoanh.

[Ken-Hawaii]

But from a functional standpoint, the seam doesn't make any difference at all, Jason. Minor cosmetics.

 

Ken

[Brian]

Just to clarify..there are 2 ways same is wrapped on a tsuka. 2 rectangular panels, one on either side in recessed cutouts, or a full wrap, where the same wraps around and there is a seam down the middle as explained.

Supposedly, the full wrap is the more expensive and desirable option as far as quality goes (just what I was told, no idea how true that is)

Over time, the same shrinks a bit, and the seam opens. I don't think it is seen as a bad flaw.

 

Brian

[Kai-Gunto]

The navy dirks has full wrap on the handle and easy to see the seam cus it shrinks over time.

Full wrap same is on tsuka is better quality.

[David McDonald]

Dear Brian

 

You can also wrap the tsuka with same-gawa 1 1/2 times and have the seam on the mune side and not seen.

 

You can also have a full wrap where there is an over lap at the mune and so no seam that is seen.

 

later

david

 

Just to clarify..there are 2 ways same is wrapped on a tsuka. 2 rectangular panels, one on either side in recessed cutouts, or a full wrap, where the same wraps around and there is a seam down the middle as explained.

Supposedly, the full wrap is the more expensive and desirable option as far as quality goes (just what I was told, no idea how true that is)

Over time, the same shrinks a bit, and the seam opens. I don't think it is seen as a bad flaw.

 

Brian

[Brian]

Thanks David, good info.

 

Brian

[kusunokimasahige]

And may I add Jason, a very nice sword indeed !

 

KM

[Jason Williams]

Thanks for the compliment. I have included the spec for review.

 

 

Katana in Koshirae

 

Signature: Mumei

 

The blade was polished.

Blade length : 76.2 cm or 30 inches.

Sori : 1.3 cm or 0.51 inches.

Mekugi : 1

Width at the hamachi : 3.03 cm or 1.19 inches.

Width at the Kissaki : 1.97 cm or 0.77 inches.

Kasane : 0.85 cm or 0.33 inches.

Era : Late Edo period.

Shape : The shape is rather wide and thick with ample sori. It is long and tough looking katana.

Jitetsu : Itame hada well grained with jinie attached.

Hamon : Nie based gonome Gonome midare mix with ha mixed with ashi attached. There is active streaks of sunagashi and kinsuji seen

with Mune yake. Boshi is round shape with yaki(burnt mark) on the shinogiji.

 

Special feature : It is a fine piece which which reminds the wide and

thick Gonome midare, Sanbonsugi Mino pieces. There is no kizu or flaws. From the blade, it reminds of MIyamoto Kanemori, Inshuu Aizu Ju Kunimune, to Sekizentei Chikanori Second Generation.

 

 

Koshirae :

Tsuba : Oval shape iron tsuba with ear standing up with pattern of

hammer mark　is engraved with openwork.

Fuchikashira :Shakudou Nanakoji base with mantion and flower design engraved.

Saya : Dark brown detailed ishimeji saya(a rock like surface.)

Menuki : A dragon is engraved with gold inlay.

 

 

Jason

[Jussi Ekholm]

Here is a info pic about that what David said earlier.

 

Various types of samegawa kise:

[estcrh]

Here is a info pic about that what David said earlier.

 

Various types of samegawa kise:

 

Jussi, I cleaned your pic up.