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Post by El Chingon on Jul 16, 2019 20:59:48 GMT
Got a tsuka done by Lohman about 20 yrs ago, still in great shape, but I need new mekugi. I wrote him regarding this (hoping he could take my tsuka and make a few that I could purchase) and he suggested I use cut down chopsticks, but none that I got around here will do the trick. Either they are too small, or squared. If i trim the corners of the squared ones, they then become too small. Currently out of ideas here...
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Post by bradc on Jul 16, 2019 22:42:32 GMT
Look for Susudake Bamboo, it's the smoked variety used for mekugi.
You can find pieces at some Japanese dealers like Namikawa or on Ebay sometimes. Also Nihonzashi.
Another good option is Japanese knitting needles. They are relatively easy to find and conveniently pre-tapered....
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Post by paulmuaddib on Jul 16, 2019 22:42:54 GMT
I found a used bamboo spatula that was thick enough in a thrift store. Also saw menudo at artsfeng website pretty cheap. Good luck
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Post by paulmuaddib on Jul 16, 2019 22:44:23 GMT
Menuki. Damn spellcheck
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Post by paulmuaddib on Jul 16, 2019 22:49:12 GMT
Sorry I’m still wrong. Mekugi. As you can tell japanese is not my first language. Hell, I still have problems with English sometimes. 🤨😏
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Post by El Chingon on Jul 17, 2019 0:05:26 GMT
Look for Susudake Bamboo, it's the smoked variety used for mekugi. You can find pieces at some Japanese dealers like Namikawa or on Ebay sometimes. Also Nihonzashi. Another good option is Japanese knitting needles. They are relatively easy to find and conveniently pre-tapered.... Unfortunately I have no woodcraft tools or skills to carve from a block. Took a peek at Nihonzashi, but their site seems to be not working right? I'll look into the needles too. Seido seems like a place to check out too.
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Post by El Chingon on Jul 17, 2019 0:26:03 GMT
I found a used bamboo spatula that was thick enough in a thrift store. Also saw menudo at artsfeng website pretty cheap. Good luck Took a peek at artsfeng, they look like they just used plain softer bamboo and not the harder smoked kind. (There's a Cheech n Chong joke in there somewhere). But it was a lead, thanks.
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Post by bradc on Jul 17, 2019 4:13:12 GMT
Unfortunately I have no woodcraft tools or skills to carve from a block. Took a peek at Nihonzashi, but their site seems to be not working right? I'll look into the needles too. Seido seems like a place to check out too. Yeah their site is flakey right now. Not sure what's up there. Seido (a good shop all round) premade mekugi might fit but depending on your sword there's a chance they won't. Some of the precut Ebay mekugi are oversized so you can trim down. I have seen artsfeng specifically recommended in other threads before so maybe do a search (I cant comment re the bamboo type). FYI You do need some tools but making mekugi is easier than you might think (especially if you can borrow a drill and file): www.cottontailcustoms.com/making-mekugi/Good luck.
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Post by paulmuaddib on Jul 17, 2019 8:52:00 GMT
I found a used bamboo spatula that was thick enough in a thrift store. Also saw menudo at artsfeng website pretty cheap. Good luck Took a peek at artsfeng, they look like they just used plain softer bamboo and not the harder smoked kind. (There's a Cheech n Chong joke in there somewhere). But it was a lead, thanks. I didn’t know about the type of bamboo curing needed. Thanks. And love the C &C reference😎
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Post by paulmuaddib on Jul 17, 2019 8:52:20 GMT
Unfortunately I have no woodcraft tools or skills to carve from a block. Took a peek at Nihonzashi, but their site seems to be not working right? I'll look into the needles too. Seido seems like a place to check out too. Yeah their site is flakey right now. Not sure what's up there. Seido (a good shop all round) premade mekugi might fit but depending on your sword there's a chance they won't. Some of the precut Ebay mekugi are oversized so you can trim down. I have seen artsfeng specifically recommended in other threads before so maybe do a search (I cant comment re the bamboo type). FYI You do need some tools but making mekugi is easier than you might think (especially if you can borrow a drill and file): www.cottontailcustoms.com/making-mekugi/Good luck.
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Post by paulmuaddib on Jul 17, 2019 8:53:26 GMT
Messed up again. Thanks bradc for the link. Good tutorial
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