Picture of blank

[jezah81]

Hi guys,

 

This is a picture of the tsuka blank that Mike Yamasaki and John Kurata provided me with the purchase of a blade from them. I was told by them that all i would have to do is send the blank to Japan and get it finished off. After contacting several tsukamakishi in Japan, all of them declined the work after seeing the picture of the blank and named it "amateur". What do you guys think of this? To be honest, i dont know too much about the art of tsuka making, but this does seem a little odd. How can any tsukamakishi finish this blank off without having the blade in hand also?

 

Kind Regards,

 

Jeremy Hagop

[Brian]

Jeremy,

That doesn't look like they furnished you with much. Is it at least split and inlet for the nakago?

If not, then all you have basically is a block of wood. Not really much of a step towards a tsuka, as the wood can be fairly cheap..it is the work that costs.

You don't say where you are. I am sure there are tsukashi in your region that could make and finish a decent tsuka from scratch for a reasonable price.

You would have to specify it is for tameshigiri so that they can fit accordingly.

I think for a tsuka you don't necessarily need to send it to Japan. There are guys in the USA and Europe that will do a good job.

Btw..yes..I am sure no decent job can be done without the blade in hand. No-one will touch it without having the blade.

Try the forum here for excellent info: http://www.swordforumbugei.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=2

Keith Larman is also the guy to ask, and is on this forum or the Bugei one above.

Otherwise let us know where you are, and we can suggest a guy who can make a new one. I don't think you will lose much by not using your blank. Is that the correct wood I wonder?

 

Brian

[Guido]

Proper shaping of the entire Tsuka is a very challenging task in order to obtain a look that goes along and “flows†with the lines of the Saya and fittings. This is called Tsuka-nari, and it can't be achieved without the blade and Saya in hand.

 

The Nakago has to be inlet very precisely to avoid any looseness that could lead to the wood breaking when stress is applied on the Tsuka during use. The two halves of the Tsuka are not aligned at the center of the Nakago, but slightly offset so that the edge of the Nakago faces solid wood but not the seam line to reduce the risk of breakage.

 

Special care must be given to the outer dimensions of the Tsuka and fitting of the Fuchi and Kashira to allow for the later application of Samegawa.

 

Once the wood core is properly shaped and Same is properly applied, the Mekugi-ana is opened by using an auger and reamer. The next step is the Tsukamaki.

 

Then the Koshirae goes back to the Shirogane-shi who already made the Habaki and two temporary Seppa (i.e., rectangular copper plates with cutouts for the Nakago). He now will do the finishing work on the Seppa, adjusting their shape to ensure a pleasant transition between Tsuba and Fuchi, and Tsuba and Koiguchi. Often the rims of the Seppa are patterned by filing, and they will then be (gold) plated.

 

So much for the idea that a block of wood - (properly) inlet or not - might be accepted as a sufficient basis for the above described work by any self-respecting craftsman .... :?

[jezah81]

Thanks guys. That is exactly what i thought too. One thing is for certain though, I will never purchase from ricecracker.com again, after this displeasing experience.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Jeremy Hagop

[jezah81]

Just as a note, when i do receive my sword, Ill be giving to Kam Appleford here in QLD Australia who runs Jigoku Studios not far from me. He has done many restorations on swords and Im sure he'll be able to help out.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Jeremy Hagop

[jezah81]

Just a quick update with my sword and tsuka blank from ricecracker.com. i would like everyone to know that i got in contact with Mike on the phone and we have sorted everything out, and he was very informative and helpful. I have definitely now changed my mind about their service and products they sell.

 

Kind regards,

 

Jeremy Hagop

[Brian]

Jeremy,

 

I'm glad to hear that. Ricecracker is a reputable company, and aside from a few small queries, there have been very positive feedbacks about them from people who have dealt with them here.

It's good to know they stand by their products they sell, and are willing to back up whatever they sell.

Thanks for the update, and please keep us updated on your project.

 

Regards,

Brian