This was my first ever project for a Shirasaya build. A long time friend and collector commissioned this as he had spare Naginata blades he’d bought. These were Chinese made reproductions, so nothing too precious if I messed up…

I forged the Habaki from copper, in the traditional fashion. This was probably the most difficult part. Other makers on YouTube make this look a lot easier than it is and it took me several attempts. I finally got something that I was happy with but I recognise I have a long way to go before these are noteworthy. The Copper was finished simply, and heat coloured to give an antique appearance before waxing.

I made the Tsuka and Saya from Beech wood. laminated the two halves with opposing grain for added strength. Carving out the cavity for the blade also took much longer than expected. I first made my own Sayanomi chisels for the task, which in itself took some time (and also need improving). 

On the Tsuka I added a Walnut spacer for a little bit of flair. The Mekugi is made of Buffalo Horn.

I learned a lot from doing this project, and it serves as a benchmark to measure my work against going forward. Always looking for long term improvements. 

DETAILS:

• Forged Habaki in Copper with heat colouring
• Shirasaya constructed from Beech wood with Walnut spacer
• New mekugi from Buffalo Horn