Custom Katana Kake

[E_Arroyes]

Hello friends, I want to show you the construction I have made of a new Kake. All this is born from the needs that I did not find in the market, because I have been looking for a long time for a Kake in robust acrylic.

 

The first phase was the design, I took a classic Kake as a starting point, generating a traditional design with reliable measurements.

 

To do the first tests, I chose to work with a laminated wood of the same dimensions, the thickness of this design is 10 mm. After doing the first tests, which were simply about reproducing the dimensions that I would later work with acrylic, I thought about varnishing to give a more premium finish and try to emulate the Kakes that have carved or lacquered family emblems and tsubas.

 

So here I bring you the first tests to see what you think. In the next few days, if this post is of interest, I will upload the Kakes in acrylic, these can also be worked in the same way. I understand that it is not the typical traditional work, but it seems like a good option as well as being totally customizable, both in types of engraving, carving and colors.  I'm leaving you with some photos so you can give me your own impressions, as well as if you have any ideas on how I can improve.

[E_Arroyes]

[E_Arroyes]

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I've to erase the last photo because I can't upload with quality, I'm sorry.

 

[Michaelr]

Great job Emilio, it looks Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.  MikeR

[E_Arroyes]

 

10 minutes ago, Michaelr said:

Great job Emilio, it looks Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.  MikeR

Thanks Mike!

[ROKUJURO]

Emilio,

my personal taste is certainly influenced by the traditional design and construction, so if I was to build a KATANA KAKE, I would look for that. It seems you have a good technical equipment at hand, so it should not be a problem to work that way.

The lower reception slots on your KAKE (no plural in Japanese nouns!) seem to have a different form and depth compared with the upper ones. Or is that my eyes?

[E_Arroyes]

25 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said:

Emilio,

my personal taste is certainly influenced by the traditional design and construction, so if I was to build a KATANA KAKE, I would look for that. It seems you have a good technical equipment at hand, so it should not be a problem to work that way.

The lower reception slots on your KAKE (no plural in Japanese nouns!) seem to have a different form and depth compared with the upper ones. Or is that my eyes?

Thanks for your input Jean, indeed, the base has more rounded edges, because it seemed to me a safer shape.

 

The only differences between them are the edges of the base (apart from the motifs engraved on them) and the adjustment of the grooves to achieve a more solid assembly.

 

Each of them is varnished by hand, so there may be differences due to this as well. By the way, after having carried out these tests, which in principle have all been to make them in acrylic, it has caused me interest and it is possible that I will try to make a more "traditional" Kake.

 

Thanks for your messages

[atm]

What are you using to make the cuts, Emilio? They look really nice!

[E_Arroyes]

10 minutes ago, atm said:

What are you using to make the cuts, Emilio? They look really nice!

 

I'm using a CO2 laser machine Adam.

[E_Arroyes]

This is the final product.

 

I hope you like it

[E_Arroyes]

[E_Arroyes]

Another session with a clean version, also with a nihonto to see the results:

[E_Arroyes]

[E_Arroyes]

[E_Arroyes]

If anyone is interested in one like this, please contact me, I can customize the finish. Thanks for reading!

[Michaelr]

Emilio, they look great. I do like the idea of using a see through product as it can disappear into the background so the blades may be appreciated more. Also the blade that you used for a demonstration is BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for sharing.   MikeR

[E_Arroyes]

Thank you very much for your words Michael, they help me to continue improving. The sword is from the Mishina school (Kinmichi), I'm glad you like it!