Hinoki Vaneers

[Greg F]

Hello Gentlemen, im hoping someone can tell me how to get some hinoki vaneer to fix a couple saya i have to get a more snug fit for the habaki in the koiguchi? Cheers.

 

Greg

 

Edit: i just realized I should have put this in the wanted section, my apologies.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Greg,

Find an old, junked shira-saya as your source for the wood.  Veneer is usually way too thick for what is needed to tighten the fit of the habaki in the koi-guchi; you can make shavings with a sharp plane.

Grey

[b.hennick]

I found that the veneer in a cigar tube works well. It is thin but not too thin and easy to work with. If you have a friend who smokes cigars or you do the problem is solved.

[Robin]

I use a hinoki masu saké cup for that. 

With a sharp X-acto hobby knife...shave off some veneer thin strips and you're ready to go (don't cut your fingers...these knives are evil).

 

You only need 5mm x 15mm or so, because it's advised to only apply a strip on the mune or ha side (ha side is easiest).

Better not apply on the ura and omote sides of the saya....it's not needed and tension there can split a saya.

Use PVA glue.

 

I have to do this once every 2 or 3 months, because I practise iaido almost daily.

 

Robin

 

 

[Greg F]

Hi guys thanks very much for the replies and thanks for moving this to the wanted section. In the past ive used 5 mil wide shavings of pine on the ha or mune ends of China made martial arts swords but this time its for a Nihonto blade so thought it best i use hinoki to be a little more traditional. I have gone with the hinoki saki cup for around ten bucks on ebay. All the best.

 

Greg

[Guido]

... its for a Nihonto blade so thought it best i use hinoki to be a little more traditional.

 

Well, saya are traditionally made of hōnoki 朴の木 (magnolia wood), not hinoki 檜 (cypress) …