Shirasaya Qualities

[Bencld]

Hello all. Just wondering what the bands on this shirasaya may represent ?

Also, what is the black material used as the mekugi ana peg and the mouth of the second shirasaya ?

Thanks.

[EdWolf]

Hard to tell from the supplied pictures. Black material most likely made of horn.

[Geraint]

Hi Chris.

 

As Ed says it's hard to tell much from the images but the black material is almost certainly horn if the shirasaya is Japanese and the rings are an added feature of fine shirasaya, made from a sliver of plant and inlaid into very shallow recesses, both are the marks of a high quality shirasaya.

 

All the best

[Bencld]

Thanks for the replies guys. That was just what I wanted to know. What is the horn typically made from ?

 

Chris D.

[EdWolf]

Water Buffalo.

[tony edmunds]

Water Buffalo    

 

I believe the transverse bands referred to are made of thin shavings of  honoki  wound around the shirasaya, they do look good when done properly

[Stephen]

https://www.Japanese-swords.com/pages/horn.htm

[EdWolf]

@Tony,

 

I don't know why you are laughing. Chris asked: what is the horn typically made from? Water buffalo. What's so funny? Please explain.

[Stephen]

+1

[seattle1]

Hello:

 I checked a shirasaya I have with those bands referred to above. The shirasaya is new to the blade done at time of manufacture in 1942 and one band has come off and there is no trace of it having been inlet into a recession. Perhaps some are, but all are not recessed.

 Arnold F.

[Ted Tenold]

The bands are called "koppamaki" and they are thin strips of wood planed from another source of contrasting wood, they are soaked for pliancy and then glued in place on the surface of the shirasaya standing slightly proud.  Usually it's another darker or lighter color of honoki, but I have seen cherry used, and one example of rattan also.  They're meant to help manage the seams from splitting through the expansion/contractions of the shirasaya.    

 

Out of the dozens I've seen, I have yet to see any that have been cut thick enough to be inset into the shirasaya which that would be both complicated and overkill, but I wouldn't doubt there might be examples of that done.

[tony edmunds]

Apologies  Ed,  I'd assumed you were being ironic but it was a bit late in the evening and I clearly misinterpreted your post.

[EdWolf]

Thanks Tony!