Need recommendations for Tsuka repair and wraps

[Kolekt-To]

Hi guys, who would you recommend for Tsuka repair and/or Ito wraps/re-wraps. Who are the vendors with good reputations? Any personal experiences? I've seen the "Fred Lohman" site, but don't know anything about their quality of work/reputation. 

 

P.S. Not looking for repairs or alterations on any of my existing guntos or those on the way to me - just want the info for future reference should I have the need.

[Grey Doffin]

David McDonald in Montana has received an award in Japan for his work in tsuka-ito.  I'm sure you'll find him in the links at the top of NMB and I'm sure you'll be pleased with his work.

Grey

[Kolekt-To]

Thanks Grey! I'll look him up.

[Stephen]

http://www.montanairon.com/swords.html

 

David's done all my work except for a young fellow in Japan which is a total horror story,

David has you covered. 

Edited July 8, 2021 by Stephen

[Kolekt-To]

11 minutes ago, Stephen said:

http://www.montanairon.com/swords.html

 

David's done all my work except for a young fellow in Japan which is a total horror story,

David has you covered. 

Thank you Stephen!

[Todd762]

Good morning, I am bringing this up

from the dead due to my search of the topic.  I have a modern sword with a cracked tsuka.  My main concern is getting it replaced with the proper fit to make it safe and maintaining the workmanship of the rest of the katana.  

 

Is David still recommended and does he have a respectable turn around time?   

 

Regards

Todd

[b.hennick]

Yes and yes!

[Kolekt-To]

I sent a Kai Gunto to David McDonald in late August and got it back in mid-October (last month). He did a nice job re-wrapping the tsuka. I now have a local guy, with a great reputation, to do my repairs and restorations. I'm in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area and so is Randy Black - he's about a 30 minute drive from me. So, if I use Randy, I don't have to be concerned with shipping. Randy has re-wrapped the tsuka of another Kai Gunto in my collection, as well as doing some saya repair work this past summer. Very satisfied with Randy's work. He is very knowledgeable and even instructed me on how best to do some minor repair work myself - Koshirae only! He doesn't mess with blades and neither will I. Also, Randy Black is now backed up at least 3 months, so any work sent to him will now have a longer turn-around time.

 

And, the sword I just received from David is now at my mentor's for a tip re-shaping - the blade had a broken tip. My mentor resides locally, about 30 minutes from my place, and he does minor work on blades as well as polishing of lesser valued swords (he probably not polish a sword valued at more than $5K - told me, "I know my limits"). He has been polishing swords for years, has a big inventory of those expensive polishing blocks from Japan, and those that have had blades polished by him are happy with the results. He recommends Moses (in Chicago?), Jimmy? (the guy in San Francisco), and other professional polishers for higher-value swords. 

[Bruno]

David McDonalds all the way.

 

http://www.montanairon.com/swords.html

 

 

[Todd762]

I heard back from David.  Backlog is 4-6 months. 

[b.hennick]

If he was not good, he would not have a backlog. 

[Kolekt-To]

For the record, as I mentioned, Randy Black in Phoenix, AZ. is backlogged at least 3 months, as well. These Koshirae repair guys are not hurting for work. They provide a great service and have no shortage of customers.

[Todd762]

Thank you gentlemen. 

[Kolekt-To]

Good luck Todd! It can be a challenge to find someone who does quality work and have it completed within our time frames. I've learned to be patient when it comes to this hobby.

[Todd762]

I am quickly learning that 🤣. I do know now is that when I do take that step to purchase a traditional piece, I rather pay on the font end for the polish and everything else to be spot on!   
 

I appreciate the recommendation and support.  
 

Todd