How much tsuka Ito do I need?

A: Use this this simple formula: Measure the length of your handle in inches and convert the ‘inches’ to ‘feet’ and add 4 more feet of cord. In other words, an 8 inch handle will need 12 feet of cord and a 9 inch handle will need 13 feet, etc.

What is Tsukamaki?

Tsukamaki (handle wrapping) is something that anyone can try their hand at. All you need is some ito cord (around $9 for 157″), a little manual dexterity, patience and of course – instructions on how to do it.

What is the tsuka made of?

wood
Tsuka (柄): The tsuka is the hilt or handle; made of wood and wrapped in samegawa.

What is a katana tsuka?

The Tsuka is the katana’s handle. The tsuka has been constructed many different ways but the traditional tsuka will be made from wood and custom fit to the blades tang and held by 1-2 mekugi pins. The wood handle is either wrapped in ray skin or channeled for rayskin inserts.

What is Rayskin on a katana?

This was popular during the Heian period which covers 794 to 1185 A.D. It is skin from the belly of ray. This is specifically cowtail stingray that has a rough and granular surface. This is used to decorate the Saya and to cover the hilt while it allows the sword owner to grip the blade.

What is Rayskin?

Stingray skin, also known as shagreen, is the upper portion of certain species of shark and ray used in leathercraft. Today, the skins we buy to make wallets, watch straps, wrapped boxes and small bags, are mostly from farmed stingrays in Asia. In particular, Thailand.

How long is a tsuka?

The standard length of the tsuka of our iaito is 8.5 sun (approx. 24cm/9.44in). Usually, depending on the blade length you choose, our craftsmen will select the appropriate tsuka length in order to keep the best balance possible.

How is the tsuka made?

A tsuka is created in two distinct stages, first the wood is split and the inside carved to receive the tang, and then it is joined back together and the outside is shaped.