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[mark swainson]

Hi there.

Hope someone can help.

 

My Great Uncle brought this katana home from Burma during WW2. 

 

How would I detach the pin when it's covered in leather and lace (as pictured).

The pin is not visible.

 

Please advise

Many thanks in advance

 

M

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Mark!  Safe to assume you've taken a look at the lacing to see if it can be unlaced?

 

If the leather isn't shrink fitted, in other words, if it has a little play, you might be able to remove the sarute (you actually have to pry/bend it to get it out of the holes), then unscrew the barrel screw that the sarute sits in, and see if the kabutogane will come off, allowing you to slide the leather cover up and off.  Never tried something like that, though.

[robinalexander]

1 hour ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Safe to assume you've taken a look at the lacing to see if it can be unlaced?

Hello Mark, 

 

I think Bruce got it the first time in regard to the lacing.  A close look at your pics seems to indicate the leather Tsuka cover is loosely laced up and I cant see why that could not be carefully undone which hopefully will expose at least one Mekugi peg in the lower half of the Tsuka.  Then just a simply matter of gently knocking the Mekugi peg out (small end/side first!!!!) and then removing the Tsuka from the Nakago.

 

IMO no need to remove the Sarute and barrel at this stage.....not at least until you have tried the above.

 

If you need some direction re removing the Mekugi peg and Tsuka, just ask and I (or someone) will find the YouTube clip on that matter which will make it a whole lot more understandable.

 

Rob

 

PS .... here it is How to Remove Tsuka of Japanese Sword