To Restore Or Not?

[echizento]

Sorry if this is not in the right location. I recently purchased a late Muromachi wakizashi that was in this saya. I like the saya and would like to see if it would be worth being restored. I've been away from the hobby for a few years and am not sure who is doing saya restorations now a days. My question is would it be worth the time and money to have this restored or just having a new saya made?

[Alex A]

Yes, but I wouldn't go crazy about overdoing it, I would speak to someone about getting the Kurikata replaced and possibly trying to sort out the missing lacquer, depends whether it can be done without having to do it all, you would need to speak to an expert.

 

Best to preserve.

 

Might consider shirasaya to store the blade, depending on the blade and state of polish.

 

I like it.

 

You would need to speak to someone like Mike Hickman-Smith or Robert Soanes, I remember he does repairs http://katchushi.com/restoration-2/index.html

 

Someone will know an expert nearer to you.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Just replace the kurikata IMO.

[echizento]

Thanks for the information. I like to keep as much of the original lacquer as possible  stabilize the areas that  are flaking and restore the areas that are missing.  

[TheGermanBastard]

Fully agree to what the other have suggested

[TheGermanBastard]

PS: For Saya restoration in the USA I recommend Randy Black. He does very nice Sayas and especially his Tsuka work is excellent. However getting only part of some lacquer restored is very chalenging as you have to match the original one very well.