Your Saya will be hand carved, hand filed and sanded (custom made) to fit your sword blade. Traditional HONOKI wood is used and each Saya is fitted with genuine Water Buffalo horn parts (no plastic or wood) and after proper shaping and sanding, it is coated with 12 layers of genuine hand rubbed Japanese Cashew lacquer (no auto paint or spray can used in our shop). As a result of our high standard of workmanship and care, our Saya have been judged to be a superior value when compared to all others.
For Saya restoration and replacement, we provide:
- All newly made Saya are produced (hand carved) in our Portland shop & custom fitted to your sword blade.
- Our custom made Saya are made with the use of traditional Japanese Honoki wood (exclusive) and are provided with a hand rubbed finish of multiple layers of Japanese Cashew lacquer.
- Our choice of aged salt free Honoki wood guarantees that your Sword will not suffer the very common rusting and pitting problems that has been associated with non-Japanese woods that contain 12 to 15% moisture and are sold as 'kiln dried' wood.
- The extra hard Cashew lacquer provides our traditional Saya with long lasting dent and ding resistance.
- The (see below) application of Same' or Rattan not only adds beauty and value to your Saya, it also adds extra protection for your hand and extends the use of your Saya by denying premature splitting.
Each Saya is fitted with genuine Water Buffalo Horn Kurikata, Koiguchi and Kojiri and each is available with a Sageo of your choice.
Same' covered Saya: The above Saya has been sanded smooth and lacquered over the Stingray skin aka Same'.
Rattan-covered Saya: This style of Saya features rattan covering the Koi-guchi area.
Red Streaked Saya: The above style of Saya is another classic design that was very popular during the troubled times of the 1860's - 1870's. It is designed to create the illusion of an old piece of lacquer work that has been painted with alternating layers of black and red, and then worn over time to reveal both colors.
Custom Saya colors, the red streaked style, Rattan or Same' added to the Saya are available as 'extras'.
Same' (Saya) application is $45 per inch
Rattan (Saya) application is $25 per inch
Custom (other than black) colors are $75 extra
The 'streaked' Saya application is $80 extra
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Unless specifically requested otherwise, our Saya are fitted with the popular & exclusive horn Kurikata # 32.
Kurikata # 32 features a smoothly polished hole that totally eliminates Sageo fraying and the need for Shitodomé.
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In addition to custom made Saya, we also offer
SHIRA-SAYA and, replacement liners for WW-2 metal Saya.
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MAILING SWORDS :
NOTE: Swords sent for Saya replacement or 'full package restoration' should be mailed (U. S. Postal Service) in their original Saya if possible. If no Saya exists, contact us for 'bare blade' instructions.
If the original Saya is partially or fully split, it can still be used to safely mail the sword providing the two sides of the Saya are securely taped together with lots of 'duct' tape.
THE 'ORIGINAL' Saya: Unless you have a special need for the 'old' Saya, they are discarded because they have no further use or value. If your sword blade is being polished, it should not be put back into an old Saya due to the contaminants often found in old Saya. If you still want the original Saya or Tsuka returned, make sure to print your name & address on them and a note indicating your desire to have them returned.
Please use the U.S. Postal Service for sending your swords to us and add 'insurance'. Insurance will require a signature and as a result, your sword will not be left on our doorstep. (Please do not send your sword using UPS, FED-EX, DHL, etc....)
Proper sized cartons (6 x 6 x 48 inches) and the preferred plastic bubble pack material are available at all 'UPS stores'.
Please, 'peanuts' are not to be used in the packaging of your sword.
Do not send your sword bag with the sword.
To eliminate damage to your sword while it is in transit, avoid using sub-standard packaging or paper tubes that are meant for engineering plans & calendars. We don't want our P.O. carrier stabbed or seriously cut by a improperly packaged sword. Please avoid using heavy plastic pipe as it will be expensive for you to mail and difficult for us to get rid of.
Very important: Mail your swords with instructions securely taped to the handle (not tossed into the carton) to the below address.