What measurements are required to mount a Kogatana into a Kozuka?

[Tokugawa Gord]

Hello All,

 

I am in the midst of a restoration project, and require to mount a kogatana into a kozuka. I am wondering what are all of the measurements to keep in mind when looking for such a fitting?

 

Would it make more sense to take the measurements after the kogatana has returned from polishing? 

 

Thank you in advance for your input, it will greatly help with my restoration project technical and stylistic requirements. 

 

Thank you,

 

Gordan 

[Brian]

I can tell you from experience (including checking a kogatana in 7 different kozuka this weekend) that they either fit or they don't. Usually they are close. Sometimes a little loose. Pine pitch can secure them well enough. There is no real way to know what is going on inside a kozuka, so you'll need to use trial and error, but the fit isn't critical like blades and tsuka. Others will likely give you more info.

[Tokugawa Gord]

11 hours ago, Brian said:

I can tell you from experience (including checking a kogatana in 7 different kozuka this weekend) that they either fit or they don't. Usually they are close. Sometimes a little loose. Pine pitch can secure them well enough. There is no real way to know what is going on inside a kozuka, so you'll need to use trial and error, but the fit isn't critical like blades and tsuka. Others will likely give you more info.

Thank you Brian for sharing your knowledge with me - yes I am noticing the same thing. Luckily, time is on my side and I have about 6 months to wait until the kogatana is polished. So the important measurements are the width of the actual saya portion where the kozuka will fit, and perhaps the length as well. If it is a mm or two off, then use pine pitch - got it. 

[Geraint]

Dear Gordon.

 

Just some thoughts.  The tang of the kogatana can be/is often wrapped in paper to adjust the fit in the kodzuka. You are right to note that the saya pocket for the kodzuka is not a standard size.  When searching for a kodzuka to complete a koshirae it took me some time to find one of the correct width for the pocket in the saya.  Found a suitable one eventually and it looks good.  Length is, from my limited experience not so critical.

 

Let us know how it goes for you.

 

All the best.

[Tokugawa Gord]

6 hours ago, Geraint said:

Dear Gordon.

 

Just some thoughts.  The tang of the kogatana can be/is often wrapped in paper to adjust the fit in the kodzuka. You are right to note that the saya pocket for the kodzuka is not a standard size.  When searching for a kodzuka to complete a koshirae it took me some time to find one of the correct width for the pocket in the saya.  Found a suitable one eventually and it looks good.  Length is, from my limited experience not so critical.

 

Let us know how it goes for you.

 

All the best.

Hello Geraint, that is a wonderful idea - yes this kogatana will come back from polish even thinner, so will note this as well. What was your experience with the width? Were you able to get it to within a mm, or was mm or two making a big difference? Thanks again!

[Geraint]

Hi Gordon.

 

I bought a nice wakizashi in rather special koshirae but missing kozuka, tried one or two I already had and realised that the slot was quite narrow.  Took a while to find one that suited and was the right width but managed eventually from Aoi Art.  A lot of people don't give dimensions when selling but thankfully they did.

 

Take your time.

 

All the best.