Shirasaya - How Much Clearance Is Correct?

[Vermithrax16]

I have a question that I had after I saw a picture of a sword with double bo-hi. I cannot find that picture again sadly, as it would show what I am about to ask very clearly.

 

How much clearance is accepted as "correct" in a new shirasaya? The sword I mentioned above had a shirasaya and it had double fullers carved into it to accept the bo-hi. It looked VERY tight. Maybe not even 1mm from sword. That to me seemed like a recipe for rubbing. Just interested.

[Ray Singer]

Perhaps the sword below?

 

http://www.legacyswords.com/Tampa_Waki.htm

[Ray Singer]

If so, it appears to be only the tsuka which is fitted to the futatsuji-hi. That sword is in my collection, and I will verify that the saya is not also fitted to the hi in the next few days. Brian is a perfectionist so it would not surprise me if this is the case...

[Vermithrax16]

If so, it appears to be only the tsuka which is fitted to the futatsuji-hi. That sword is in my collection, and I will verify that the saya is not also fitted to the hi in the next few days. Brian is a perfectionist so it would not surprise me if this is the case...

Raymond, of course that's the one! I should have known.

 

I thought it was the shirasaya, but the tsuka end makes total sense. If the shirasaya long end is that tight, wow! Great work but I would worry about rubs.

[Ray Singer]

This is a well-made koshirae in which the saya is fitted to the bo-hi, and consequently the tsunagi has bo-hi as well.

 

http://swordsofjapan.com/project/shishi-koshirae/

 

Best regards,

Ray

[Ken-Hawaii]

Shirasaya are solely for storage, & to keep out moisture, so the clearance can/should be minimal. And in koshirae, you want just enough clearance to allow friction so that the blade doesn't fall out of the saya during rei, while still allowing an easy noto. In our MJER iaido ryuha, we actually have several waza in which you draw the sword while bowing, so you really don't want the blade to fall out! 

 

Ken

 

 

 

[Guido]

Since it's the habaki that ensures that the blade doesn't slip out of the saya by its own, I guess a "perfect" saya fit isn't that critical (as long as the blade doesn't rattle or got stuck in the saya).

[seanyx11]

Very interesting topic I've never seen a shirasaya or habaki fitted that perfectly to futatsuji-hi before, of course, my experience is limited.  Still, its pretty amazing that Brian goes into that much detail in his work...makes sense that he is so highly sought after for his habaki and shirasaya work now.