Sword Terminology used for Saya parts.

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Note:       Water Buffalo horn parts

have been traditionally used on the majority of Japanese Saya and only the most expensive swords were decorated with metal parts such as those displayed below.  The below parts are 'options' and are not part of any 'package'.  They can easily be added to any newly constructed Saya as per your request.  Individual prices available to written request or phone requests only.

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KOJIRI  

Pictured below are quality copies of KOJIRI.  Part # 02 and 03 (when available) are sized for either a Tanto or Wakizashi. While # 02 is available only in Silver, # 03 is available in steel as are the balancer of the Kojiri. The balance of them are Katana size and made of blackened steel. They are copies of original Samurai KOJIRI and as such, are more slender in shape when compared to other modern made Saya.  K-04 has a unique semi diamond-shaped cross section.  

KOJIRI are not easily fitted to existing Saya as the 'have the wood fit the metal' rule applies and they are best used for new Saya construction. All measurements are approximate 'outside' dimensions.  In addition to protecting the Saya, the metal KOJIRI provides protection for the tip of the blade.  A Saya with a Kojiri also hints of a touch of class.   

Several of our KOJIRI are above average in size and (#'s 9 thru # 14) will fit the needs of large sized blades.

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Water Buffalo horn  is much more easily manipulated and costs considerably less than metal parts which accounts for its popularity.

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Note: Because most domestic wood (what is available in the USA) contains an average of 15% moisture (water)  content, we prefer to use Japanese Honoki wood as it insures that your steel blade will be free of rusting.  As an added benefit with using Honoki, it is also salt free.

Every standard Saya is equipped with Buffalo horn parts (Koiguchi, Kurikata and KOJIRI) and finally covered with a 12 coat application of hand rubbed Japanese Cashew lacquer.

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NOTE:   It is seldom possible to add metal KOJIRI, Kurikata and Koi-guchi to Saya that are already 'finished'.  Metal parts are best installed at the time of Saya construction when the wood is obviously more easily manipulated to fit the metal.  More Information is available in the 'price list'.

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KURIKATA Metal Kurikata are available to those who want the appearance of their Saya to be a step above the average.  While a few of the styles are available in polished black Steel, most (when available) are made of solid Silver and available with Shitodome (the eyelets) included at no additional cost.

 

While most Kurikata are made of Water Buffalo Horn, many high quality swords were fitted with decorative metal Kurikata.

  <---------<  We are occasionally able to cast Kurikata with Shitodome installed together as one piece for the same price.

We are reminded by sword collectors that we stand heads above all others with our offerings.

Kurikata Prices

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Metal bands for Saya

The above bands can be used to re-enforce a split or otherwise damaged Saya and are not limited to the Koiguchi.  They are made of thin metal, Copper, Silver, Steel and or Bronze.  Bands A & B are for Tanto and Wakizashi and are shaped to accommodate Kozuka / Kogei.  All measurements are 'outside'.    Horn Koiguchi  are also available.                 

 Koiguchi Prices

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 The 'BADGE'

 We lack the Japanese name for this piece and therefore refer to it as 'The BADGE'.  The 'Badge' is generally found on more 'formal' Tanto and Wakizashi where a higher grade of Same' was used and the Tsuka left unwrapped. Its purpose was to cover the Shitodome hole in the Kashira where Tsukaito would have normally passed through. It is most often found on highly decorated swords which a solid indication of a more important blade. Available in bright Silver, blackened Silver or 24K Gold plated Silver. (Can YOU provide the name for it ? )

 

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Kozuka Hitsu

Again, we offer a Saya part that until now has not been available from any source. This is the part that straddles the front end of the Kozuka slot of a fully fitted and decorated Saya.  Available in antiqued Silver (as above), black colored Silver or 24K Gold plated Silver.... and in either the Bamboo or the pounding Wave design.

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Pole Arm 'ends'

A Naginata pole end is the one to the left (oval in shape)

Naginata poles were produced oval in shape to allow the user to know where the cutting edge without looking,... whereas spears and most other pole arms were made for stabbing (poking, thrusting) and were equipped with round poles and round pole ends (the two on the right)

Call for details (503) 282-4567
E-mail Us

-or- write to:

FRED LOHMAN - 3405 N.E. Broadway - Portland, OR  97232 - 1818

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