Shirasaya

[Michaelr]

Hello everyone and thank you in advance. I just purchased a blade that was polished and put into a newly made Shirasaya. The new Shirasaya is very light and very new looking. I also have a blade in a Shirasaya from WW2 and it is a rich golden color. Is there any rule here or is it just personal preference on the color or finish of a Shirasaya? Is it ok to put something on the new Shirasaya to change the color? If it is ok to do so what is usually used or recommend? Thank you

MikeR

[J Reid]

Generally speaking, the shirasaya will develop its own patina. I wouldn't tamper with quality work. Just my 2 cents

[Stephen]

Agree with Josh, its made to breath so you dont want stop that, ive heardof  them being waxed, Grey is our wood guy id ask him.

[nagamaki - Franco]

It should darken with age, if properly made it has already been rubbed with a natural finish.

[Grey Doffin]

Grey says don't do anything; the shira-saya will take on its own color from age and handling and nothing you can do to speed up the process will look as good (and a lot of things you could try would be just plain ugly).

Grey

[TETSUGENDO]

I agree as well. As all have said...leave it alone, in time will it will develope a lovely natural patina. Fiddling with it will ultimately diminish its appearance.

 

-StevenK

[seattle1]

Hello:

 Yes they do acquire that patina with age, and while it is not a terrible thing to wax a saya, as it can be reversed, the main reason not to do so is that if some person with the credentials to do a proper sayagaki comes along, the wax would present a substantial problem. The ink used actually is absorbed to some extent by the wood and it really seems to endure.

 Arnold F.

[Michaelr]

Thank you all for your help. I think that I will follow all of your advice and just leave it alone.

 

MikeR