george trotter Posted March 28, 2021 Report Posted March 28, 2021 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... Quote
Dave R Posted March 28, 2021 Report Posted March 28, 2021 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! Quote
Grey Doffin Posted March 28, 2021 Report Posted March 28, 2021 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 Quote
JH Lee Posted March 28, 2021 Report Posted March 28, 2021 Also consider that the thickness of the new piece may not be suitable for your blade's saya. Quote
george trotter Posted March 28, 2021 Author Report Posted March 28, 2021 OK, didn't think of those possibilities...thought it would be fairly straight forward. Thanks guys, Regards... Quote
Dave R Posted March 28, 2021 Report Posted March 28, 2021 Nothing in Nihonto is ever straightforward! 1 1 Quote
Surfson Posted April 15, 2021 Report Posted April 15, 2021 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. 2 Quote
Ken-Hawaii Posted April 17, 2021 Report Posted April 17, 2021 It's possible to build your own: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUeNt3z7TK0 Quote
george trotter Posted April 17, 2021 Author Report Posted April 17, 2021 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, Quote
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