How to remove Ashi from Type 98 Saya

[Minseito1941]

I was wondering how one would go about removing one of these Ashi. Also I was wondering what situation would have the ashi hanger ring forcibly torn off. I was thinking maybe pulled of a dead imperial soldiers belt by an American soldier which would explain the signs of force (bent ashi rig around hole)

[PNSSHOGUN]

The top ring screws off on some types. As your example is painted in, it will require destroying the original finish to remove it. 

[Bruce Pennington]

I've seen a good number of ashi in this condition and have wondered the same thing.  I've never been able to figure out a way to get them off.

[Mark C]

You take off the lower fittings from the saya and slide the ashi down the saya (It will require some force) but as John has said there is every chance you will ruin the paint finish on the saya

 

Regards

[Stephen]

Are there threads inside the hole?

[Guest Simon R]

I'm afraid "pulled off a dead imperial soldier's belt by an American soldier" is pure fantasy. 
If you are familiar with the way these swords are attached to the service belt, such violent effort would be very obviously unnecessary. They hang from an easily unhooked strap - usually leather (and therefore simple to cut) or sometimes chain (but equally straightforward to disengage from the belt).

[PNSSHOGUN]

Lets get real here Simon, it was clearly blown clean off Tojo's belt by an atom bomb blast and smartly caught mid-air from the cockpit of the Enola Gay.

[Guest Simon R]

18 hours ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

Lets get real here Simon, it was clearly blown clean off Tojo's belt by an atom bomb blast and smartly caught mid-air from the cockpit of the Enola Gay.

Blimey John!

Why did you have to let the cat out of the bag? I was just about to negotiate a behind-the-scenes offer via PM!

[Mark]

you could attach a replacement ring to the ashi you have if you want to repair it. that would avoid saya damage from removing it

[Minseito1941]

I would but I’m afraid I don’t know how to go about doing that though