The above parts (far left) is # 32 Kurikata and is available in two sizes. It is preferred by those who 'use' swords because it allows the modern larger Sageo to slide through more easily and does not require Shitodome.

The KOJIRI (top and side view) will need its outer dimensions be shaped (reduced) to fit the Saya. To the right, is the Tsunagaeshi, (aka) 'the hook' that were attached to the side of the Saya and designed to catch the lower edge of a sword wearers Obi and lastly, the KOIGUCHI which requires that the center hole be enlarged to accommodate the Habaki and reduced so as to properly fit the outside dimensions of the Saya.

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Raw horns (above) are available from farmers and packing houses and collected for use by our factory.

Water Buffalo horn (above) has been used by Japanese craftsman for hundreds of years and selected as the ideal material to produce Kurikata, Koiguchi, Kojiri and other parts commonly found on Japanese swords. While our horn parts start out looking like the above, they are hand made by skilled craftsmen and are copies of quality antique horn parts collected by Fred over the years. If you have the time and ambition to make your own parts, the block shaped cube # 2 of solid black horn would be a good place to start.

Because sword restoration requires proper training and experience, your swords would be best served if only qualified personal were allowed to make any attempt at restoration. While there are other qualified sword restorers available, the economy has produced a few amateurs with limited skills who are pretending to be professionals ( they 'talk the talk' but can't 'walk the walk'). Beware of them. . . because several of their customers had discovered that there was no real savings using marginally skilled workers as they are only capable of producing shoddy workmanship and more often, botching up a job so bad so as to permanently ruin your sword.

Koiguchi and Kojiri (# 28 & # 29) are produced 'oversize' to allow custom fitting to the dimensions of your Saya. The Koiguchi (# 28) is also made with the center hole left smaller to allow for a custom fit. With few exceptions, all other parts are ready for installation.

Illustrated below are a number of different styles and sizes that have been most commonly used and are available today at 'factory direct pricing' from us and if the parts look professionally made (not irregular surfaces that should be smooth), you can bet that we made them because WE are the manufacturers of all well made HORN parts.

The 'hook' part # 3 (aka: Tsunakuchi, Kaishizuno, Soritsuna and others) is available in three sizes and was designed to catch the bottom edge of the wearers Obi in an effort to secure the Saya to the wearer and prevent it from being pulled out with the blade during an emergency.

Measurements given of the below parts are those of the 'foot print' of the part.

Both horn (Kurikata) part #'s 24 (sized for Tanto) and part  # 32 were produced with a larger and nicely polished hole so as to allow easy passage of today's larger Sageo and further eliminates the need of employing SHITODOMÉ which are the primary cause of Sageo fraying & snagging.  Horn Kurikata # 32 is available in a medium and a large size.

Because inventory changes from day to day, if your interest is to fill an 'existing' hole in an old Saya where a KURIKATA fell off, it's better to order a slightly larger part that can be 'reduced' to fit .

Horn Prices:  Call 503-282-4567 to confirm inventory and prices.

Names: Numbers 1 & 2 are blocks of solid horn for anyone who wishes to make their own parts, Number 3 is the 'hook' (3 sizes available), Numbers 5, 8, 21, 22, 24 and 32 are Kurikata. Numbers 18 & 25 are Kashira. Number 28 is the Koiguchi and 29 is the Kojiri.