shirasaya question and patterns in the hamon

[ysake]

Good morning colleagues, I'm bothering you again with my questions, the pattern I see in my tanto is the next 

[ysake]

In a previous post a classmate commented about this black mark on the shirasaya but I can't find any more information only what the classmate said

[Brian]

Decorative

[Scogg]

The black thing on the shirasaya is a horn insert for the mekugi. Like Brian said, it’s a decorative addition 

 

As far as the blade activity goes, it would help to see the tanto itself. But it’s challenging to capture some of that subtle activity in photography 

 

Best of luck, 

-Sam 

[ROKUJURO]

It is not only decorative, but also a sign of a better quality SHIRA-SAYA. It is also more expensive when you have it made. Usually it is black water buffalo horn.

[Mikaveli]

1 hour ago, ROKUJURO said:

It is not only decorative, but also a sign of a better quality SHIRA-SAYA. It is also more expensive when you have it made. Usually it is black water buffalo horn.

Do they ever do the inlay in a black / dark plastic?

 

I've got a shirasaya with that inlay - and the same material where it closes together. Never crossed my mind it could be horn.

[Brian]

Never seen plastic. Should be black horn, occasionally ivory or darker wood.

[The Blacksmith]

When I make knives I often use black buffalo horn, and when polished it can look very much like plastic. but it feels slightly different. It should have a slightly white grain in the horn, which plastic doesn't have. The inside of the mounts should tell you more. Horn is quite cheap, so I doubt that they would use any kind of plastic.

[ysake]

Thanks for the help. companions

[Mikaveli]

3 hours ago, The Blacksmith said:

When I make knives I often use black buffalo horn, and when polished it can look very much like plastic. but it feels slightly different. It should have a slightly white grain in the horn, which plastic doesn't have. The inside of the mounts should tell you more. Horn is quite cheap, so I doubt that they would use any kind of plastic.

Interesting to hear, thanks.

 

I'll pay more attention the next time I'm looking at it. 🙂