Habaki repair help needed

[george trotter]

Hoping someone may be able to help. I have a wakizashi that originally had a 2-piece habaki. The base piece was missing when I got it and although the habaki still "sits" right, I was wondering if there is anyone who could make a copper replacement base- piece for me?

I could send the existing part with scabbard mouth measurements and maybe he could make one up to fit the "inner" part?

Maybe a member can point me to the right person?

I'm in Australia, but happy to post overseas to get it done.

Thanks...

 

[Dave R]

 Personal opinion, I think you would be better with a complete new Habaki, whether two piece or one piece. The problem of fitting to the old piece of the  habaki and  the blade is a killer. A   skilled craftsman might manage it, but you would be lucky, and it would cost as much or more than a complete replacement . I am also dubious as to the fit of the one you show anyway, I suspect a random replacement some time in the swords history.

 I have on a couple of occasions made new one piece  habaki for my own blades, having originally had some training in silver-smithing back in the day. It is a real pain in the butt!

[Grey Doffin]

What Dave said and also, you'll have to send the whole sword to get a proper fit and no reason not to get a whole new habaki.

Grey

[JH Lee]

Also consider that the thickness of the new piece may not be suitable for your blade's saya.  

[george trotter]

OK, didn't think of those possibilities...thought it would be fairly straight forward.

Thanks guys,

Regards...

[Dave R]

Nothing in Nihonto is ever straightforward!  

[Surfson]

I have a collection of habaki that I have been accumulating for years.  This is just the kind of occasion that I find it useful.  It's amazing how often I find one that fits well or at least ok.  

[Ken-Hawaii]

It's possible to build your own: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUeNt3z7TK0

[george trotter]

Interesting Ken, and doable....but I don't have the correct anvil (holes etc) or correct shaped punches/chisels etc.

 

I am still giving this some thought though....I'll let the NMB know if I progress with it.

Regards,