Mekugi material

[DoTanuki yokai]

Everyone knows the bamboo Mekugi but how about other materials like the Menuki with long pins from the old ages, I would love to see one of that.

 

Just show your odd Mekugi and I start with  my turtle shell one.
(I would never order something like this because I’m pro turtle life but it came with the sword.)

[Bugyotsuji]

Nice mekugi, Christian!

Black water buffalo horn. 

Ivory.
Smoked bamboo.

[DoTanuki yokai]

Thanks piers.
 

Light goes through the Mekugi even when it’s mounted, what could look nice on display but actually I store it in the bag. 
 

I have tried to find some ivory Mekugi but I can only find Hatodome in ivory.

[Bugyotsuji]

I found a bag of old scrap ivory bits and made my own, Christian. The laws can vary though, country by country.

 

 

[DTM72]

As for ivory, I see old pianos being sold that most likely have real ivory keys. The broken ones go very cheap. Just a thought for material purposes.

[DoTanuki yokai]

Cool idea with the head on the Mekugi  and nice color.

After seeing your work Piers I can imagine making them from antler will also work.

[DTM72]

Antler may actually have the slight brownish colorization of older same' and be a good match. Got me thinking now...

[Bugyotsuji]

The ivory mekugi above was a one-sided type, (no hole on the other side of the Tsuka) which is why I put a head on it.

Agreed, antler could work. It would be interesting to see if it’s strong enough. Please post your results! 

Also you can get some great patterns from smoked bamboo, by the way.

 

Messing around with Netsuke post/pegs… pure bamboo grain.

 

 

 

[Andi B.]

Some years ago I've seen a pure gold mekugi on a kantei session but afterwards I've heard it has been lost/stolen(?) there... 😠☹️

[Dave R]

 I had an all metal two piece mekugi turn up in a group of Sarute barrels that I bought from Japan. Still have it tucked away, waiting for the right tsuka.

[b.hennick]

i would have bought them too! Rare as hen's teeth - good on you.