|
Post by Joshwah on Jan 16, 2014 0:59:39 GMT
Hello forum,
I recently was looking over my sword after a few cuts. After examination the Tsuka has become very loose due to cracking... So I want to know what would be the cheapest way for me to replace it? ( I am low on funds ) Should I build a new one or buy one somewhere?
|
|
|
Post by Robert in California on Jan 16, 2014 1:27:51 GMT
Take it apart into two halves. Wood glue the cracked wood. Use JPWeld Quikwood to fit the nakago to the inside of the tsuka. Do via the tsuka wood being in two halves and lay one layer of plastic sandwich wrap down so the glue/filler does not stick to the blade. Re-apply the samegawa. And fit the koshirae. Re-wrap the tsuka with new ito. i.e. rebuild the tsuka. Aussie-Rabbit does much better than such a home done rebuild though. RinC
|
|
|
Post by frankthebunny on Jan 16, 2014 5:13:06 GMT
which katana do you have? Usually there is a reason the tsuka was cracked in the first place such as a poor fit and just gluing it back together might not fix the core problem. You can sometimes tell if it's because the tsuka was too tight if it is difficult to get on and off or by removing the tsuba and seppa, inserting the nakago and mekugi (pins) and looking around the opening to see it it's too tight or too loose. If you do this and you're able to squeeze the crack closed around the nakago without issue, it might be able to be repaired by gluing. If there is too much movement even while squeezing the wood closed, you might need to shim the gaps and or replace the mekugi with a better fitting fresh pair. You should also make sure the wood is stable and not dry rotted or otherwise fragile. Assembling your tsuka permanently with epoxy might be the easiest route to go but only if you don't see a need to remove it again later on. If you choose to try and carve a new core you can see how to do this hereWhatever you choose to do, I think it's obvious you shouldn't cut with it in this state anymore
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Jan 18, 2014 22:01:26 GMT
|
|
|
Post by chrisperoni on Jan 19, 2014 0:07:51 GMT
knowing the specific sword can help with options. sometimes you can find a replacement tsuka on ebay that will fit and only cost about $15 -- but it's that getting it to fit part that is really tricky
|
|
|
Post by Robert in California on Jan 19, 2014 14:14:07 GMT
I, er, ah, mispoke (due to sleep and coffee deprivation...is what I'll blame it on)...I mean Frank. Not that Aussie-Rabbit could not also do a good job. But true, Frank is a pro.
(wearing a bag over my head for the next few days)
RinC
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Jan 19, 2014 23:06:46 GMT
And before anyone thinks about asking I admit to the following - I have two sons, one 11 and one 15, both are ADHD, I'm a single dad and lack time and/or the management thereof. In days gone by I have wrapped here and there but also admit to hanging weights from my Ito when things just would not go right, using clear nail-polish on hishigami that would not sit right and clamping turns that didn't want to stay put. Frankthebunny is a master, check out one of the tutorials here: www.artsfeng.com/blog/404-tsuka- ... ami-mekugi note: I had a naughty page pop up but it was easily dismissed - YMMV
|
|
|
Post by frankthebunny on Jan 20, 2014 8:25:54 GMT
:shock: What the Heck!? They didn't ask me, I am not sure if they asked any SBG admins, I doubt it, and I definitely didn't give artsfeng permission. Time to contact them methinks. EDIT - I meant for this information to be a reference to any SBG member as well as any member of any sword/weapon forums and I honestly don't mind if it's shared on personal blogs as long as credit is given to SBG and myself. I think I do mind if a retail store uses it to help their own business even though those who see it there might find it useful. I think I will take the suggestions of some friends and compile all of this info into a book of sorts whether a physical one or an ebook. Artsfeng still hasn't gotten back to me.
|
|
|
Post by chrisperoni on Jan 20, 2014 9:22:27 GMT
Seems Artsfeng has lifted several works from other sites/sources. I think they owe you some supplies at the very least.
|
|
|
Post by frankthebunny on Jan 20, 2014 9:27:35 GMT
Too bad I wouldn't use any of their products, even for free :roll:
|
|
|
Post by William Swiger on Jan 20, 2014 17:23:54 GMT
One thing to snatch a picture but this is just ridiculous.
|
|
|
Post by Robert in California on Jan 21, 2014 9:52:31 GMT
Right or wrong....it IS a compliment to Frank. Frank...you are now famous. Soon the royalties will pour in and your will be rich! (at least in good will and appreciation...which like most medals in the Military will get you a cup of coffee (if you throw in another buck or two)).
And I just bookmarked it.
BTW, Artsfeng to the best of my knowledge, is the best of the affordable/China tsuba/fuchi/kashira sellers that I have seen on Ebay. I have bought koshirae from them and others. The Artsfeng stuff is pretty good copies of Japanese koshirae. Not perfect, but pretty decent and worth the money IMO.
RinC
|
|