Tsuba Fittment? Shims?

[Nuts4re]

I have a short sword (wak or uchigatana) that was allegedly cut down from a longer sword some time ago. It had a cast tsuba on it that is broken and I have purchased two tsubas over the years without any planning or forethought and am coming to the conclusion none will fit this blade.

 

The blade thickness at the tsuba mounting area is 8.30mm or .2620 inches.

The blade width is 24.64mm or .9720 inches.

 

Were these shimmed somehow?

 

My blade is "old" but in poor condition and not  collectable from what I have been told at gun shows.

 

Will add some pics to help, and thank you in advance for any help.

The mei area is kept covered and I have been very careful to not touch it with bare hands nor clean it, sort of training myself if I get a legit collectable blade one day!

 

Thank you.

 

Michael.

[Peter Bleed]

Michael,

You can begin investigating your sword by searching for "Hizen Tadayoshi". I bet you will find images to compare with your sword. You might also consider looking at basic sources that discuss blade shape. They will help decide if the tip of your sword has been heavily modified.

Peter

[Katsujinken]

The assessments you’ve received are correct: the blade is in poor condition and the kissaki has been modified... badly.

 

It’s okay to touch the nakago with your hands because it has patina, just do not touch the blade.

 

I’m not sure if the signature is gimei or not (tough to tell from the photos... others may have a point of view).

 

In any case, enjoy the sword for what it is. Nothing wrong with that. :-)

[Geraint]

Dear Michael.

 

To answer your question it is not uncommon for a tsuba to be fitted with seki gane, usually copper, which allow the tsuba to fit the nakago.    If the tsuba is too thin then an extra seppa will do the job, if it is too thick then forget it would be my advice.

 

Hope that helps.

 

All the best.

[Nuts4re]

Thank you all. My intention has been to display this and get it out of my dark safe. I do have a collection of sword and firearms, but Japanese blades take  a reverent and long earned devotion to understand, from what I have been able to read. 

 

I was told by a gentleman named Robert on a sword forum that is no longer operating that my Hizen character is correct for 4th generation Tadayoshi signature due to the lack of "Saku and presence of "(No)-Kuni".

 

Ref:

 肥 前 国 住 八 忠 吉

 

Hizen, No-Kuni, Ju, Omi, Nin, Tada, Yoshi

 

 

 

Still does not change the the poor kissaki and that I have no clue how to fit anything to accommodate the nakago-ana spacing.

 

A few last pics, in case anyone has any ideas how to shim this. The small broken cast tsuba is what was on the blade when I found it.

 

Thank you all for your time, your help, and your patience. I usually just read!

 

Michael.

[Mark]

there is no Omi.... Hizen Kuni Ju Nin Tadayoshi

[Brian]

Just clarify, when you put a tsuba on...is the tsuba movement up and down (needs seppa) or it is loose in that it moves side to side/forwards and backwards? (nakago smaller than opening?)
Look up sekigane to see how tsuba are fitted when the hole is too large. If the hole is too small, you keep looking for tsuba until you find one that is closer and fits.
You can add a seppa or 2 if the movement is vertical. But better to look for a thicker tsuba. There is no standard size for tsuba, and every one will fit different.

[Nuts4re]

there is no Omi.... Hizen Kuni Ju Nin Tadayoshi

Mark thank you, will update my file / spreadsheet i have my data in!

Thank you!

Michael.

[Nuts4re]

Just clarify, when you put a tsuba on...is the tsuba movement up and down (needs seppa) or it is loose in that it moves side to side/forwards and backwards? (nakago smaller than opening?)

Look up sekigane to see how tsuba are fitted when the hole is too large. If the hole is too small, you keep looking for tsuba until you find one that is closer and fits.

You can add a seppa or 2 if the movement is vertical. But better to look for a thicker tsuba. There is no standard size for tsuba, and every one will fit different.

Thank you Brian, there are 3  copper seppa shims still on the tang. My issue has been finding a tsuba with a smaller nakago to take out the aforementioned side /forwards/ backwards movement. Will do reading on sekigane ASAP !

 

I greatly appreciate the history old swords and blades exude. Not that "new" blades are not interesting, but I swear there is a "vibration" to something very old especially weapons.

 

Thank you all. Been reading on here for months and finally had the courage to ask for help.

 

My others:

 

[ROKUJURO]

Michael,

the other SUKASHI (open design) TSUBA seems also to be a cast one. You should not try to fit that one to your blade, I think. 

If you are not accustomed with the techniques, leave the mounting of SEKIGANE and the fitting work of the TSUBA to a specialtist. It is not a big thing and will probably not be expensive.