To Finish a Saya; Questions
May 14, 2009 19:46:58 GMT
Post by Reisz on May 14, 2009 19:46:58 GMT
So I have been dabbling in the construction of Koshirae components and the finishing of blades for production Katana for some time, but only with any semblance of seriousness in the last 6 months or so.
So I am in an interesting position at the moment. I have none of the required tools to work metal in any capacity right now, and only a small selection of files and such but I am in the midst of finishing a Saya for a TH production blade, and Have several points of work left to go,
I need to lacquer it for one, it still needs a Kurigata (Or is it Kurikata? I've never figured that out ) I would love to do some Ribbing to the upper portion of the saya and I would love to either add an existing or make my own Kojiri, I had thought about getting a Buffalo Horn plate from Nihonzashi or Fred Lohman for the Koiguchi but I am un aware of what tools are needed to work it.
So a number of queries and experementive thoughts:
Any advice would be awesome, I have seen a number of excellent examples of work in here so I though you fine gentlemen, would be a great place to start, it is unfortunate that I haven't been able to find more info on Alternate construction methods using modern materials for this sort of thing, I am a Huge sucker for modern materials reaching a traditional look,
Thank you all who reply in advance, I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
-Reisz
So I am in an interesting position at the moment. I have none of the required tools to work metal in any capacity right now, and only a small selection of files and such but I am in the midst of finishing a Saya for a TH production blade, and Have several points of work left to go,
I need to lacquer it for one, it still needs a Kurigata (Or is it Kurikata? I've never figured that out ) I would love to do some Ribbing to the upper portion of the saya and I would love to either add an existing or make my own Kojiri, I had thought about getting a Buffalo Horn plate from Nihonzashi or Fred Lohman for the Koiguchi but I am un aware of what tools are needed to work it.
So a number of queries and experementive thoughts:
- Can Buffalo Horn as used for reinforcing the Koiguchi be filed, drilled, and sanded as wood can? or do I need other tools?
- Do you think a Kurigata and Kojiri could be made of some epoxy that would bond well to wood? eg JB-Weld? and would there be any advantages to this?
- What techniques other than rattan overlay/inlay can be used to gain the ribbed effect seen on some Historic Saya?
- What are the non traditional methods (If any) that some of you have used to create a matte lacquer finish without the pebbled effect? would finely sanding a high gloss lacquer achieve this?
- And the most important part, The current saya I am planning to work on is exceedingly loose both in the koiguchi and throughout the length of the saya, it has considerable rattle. are there any recommended methods of repairing the fit for extreme looseness? or would it be prudent to just get some chisels and build a new saya from scratch?
Any advice would be awesome, I have seen a number of excellent examples of work in here so I though you fine gentlemen, would be a great place to start, it is unfortunate that I haven't been able to find more info on Alternate construction methods using modern materials for this sort of thing, I am a Huge sucker for modern materials reaching a traditional look,
Thank you all who reply in advance, I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
-Reisz