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Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Feb 8, 2012 2:22:43 GMT
Well, I was wondering if there were any good sites to buy fittings for a katana. I understand that most fittings wouldn't fit every sword, but I also know that you can make it fit with tools. Well, anyway, is there any site where I can buy fittings like a tsuba?
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Post by Student of Sword on Feb 8, 2012 2:25:08 GMT
Budget?
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Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Feb 8, 2012 22:23:21 GMT
If possible, somewhere around under $20, if not, the highest I can go is no more than $50. It seems impossible to think there would be a good quality tsuba for under $20, but all I really need is a simply designed tsuba, mostly solid, as in few holes in the design, black, and made with a durable material.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 8, 2012 22:26:13 GMT
Hmmm, for that price there's:
Artsfeng. Cheness. Japanese Swords LTD. Kris Cutlery. Handmade Sword. Nihonzashi. They have plain shaped tsubas that are very solid.
Those are just off the top of my head. I'll try to think of some more.
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Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Feb 8, 2012 22:36:37 GMT
Thank you! I'll look into those sites. Do you know any sites that are specially for selling fittings? Is there even such a store?
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 8, 2012 22:43:32 GMT
Artsfeng is. They have a lot of cheap fittings, and reviews are mostly positive. For what you described wanting with your tsuba, I'd look at Nihonzashi. They are a bit more expensive, but are very good quality. www.nihonzashi.com/tsuba.aspx All of the sites mentioned have good quality fittings for pretty cheap.
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Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Feb 8, 2012 22:54:25 GMT
Artsfeng is what I am talking about. Thank You! Wait... THIS IS FROM CHINA? .... That means shipping rate would be crazy! And it would take a long time right? If possible, is there any vendors that are in the US?
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 8, 2012 22:57:03 GMT
From what I've heard, the shipping isn't bad at all. Something like $5. Pretty quick too.
All the others I've mentioned are US based. Cheness has free shipping, but has a very limited collection.
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Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Feb 8, 2012 23:42:26 GMT
... What? Then Artsfeng is my store then! And the other sites as well. Thanks for answering all of the questions from me. That means a lot! And you seem to know a lot about fittings, I have somethings that I want to know: Will it affect the sword if I switch the habaki? Like the fit in the scabbard? And do most katana have the same size dimensions? Similar? Or do I need to adjust the fittings to fit my sword? Thanks!
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 9, 2012 0:05:33 GMT
I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as I'd like, but here's what I understand on these questions.
Most swords have different dimensions, even those within the same make/model will have tiny discrepancies. However, in many cases the differences aren't so great that new fittings cannot be installed. As such, they may need a bit of tinkering to have a nice, solid fit.
Changing out a habaki is tricky. Chances are it may not fit your sword all that well, and will need work. It may need to be sanded down or the saya may need to be shimmed if the outer dimensions of the habaki are different than that of an existing one. Likewise, if the fit to the blade is too snug, some sanding/filing may be in order. If it is too loose, you can line it with wood or metal shims. These same exercises apply to tsuba as well.
After your purchase, don't hesitate to post if you need advice on anything. There are a ton of people here who would be happy to lend their expertise to help you finish your product.
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Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Feb 9, 2012 0:21:33 GMT
Well, that settles my need to know more about customizing a sword. I think I got what I need for now. Thank You!
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Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Feb 9, 2012 1:19:19 GMT
Wait! Fitting like the a Fuchi Kashira doesn't need adjustments, right?
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 9, 2012 1:26:28 GMT
Perhaps. You may need to sand or shim the kashira to fit the tsuka. It's not hard, you just have to go slow. If the fit is a little loose, you can use a small bit of glue.
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Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Feb 9, 2012 1:35:46 GMT
Oh, Thanks! Sorry for the random urgent questions! :?
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 9, 2012 1:43:54 GMT
No sweat. If you don't ask, you wont know.
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Post by Elheru Aran on Feb 9, 2012 22:54:32 GMT
About the shipping from China as far as Artsfeng goes... it might sound like it'll be a lot, but your average katana tsuka will fit in a circle, what, 4 inches wide and probably only a quarter of an inch thick? You could wrap some bubble wrap around that and put it in a padded envelope. The other doodads are pretty small too, just throw 'em in the same envelope. Pretty cheap to ship anywhere!
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Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Feb 11, 2012 18:53:32 GMT
That is true... I mean I saw that shipping is just $5! So that means that it's a fair price.
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