RESTORATIONS & MODIFICATIONS
Repairing or Altering Japanese Swords
My Abilities for Repair & Alteration Work
I have been specialising in Tsukamaki since 2018, and while I came to this art through the door of modern knifemaking, I have fallen head first down the rabbit hole of this art.
I have since built a reputation for being one of the few knifemaker who can do proper Japanese Tsukamaki. I use materials imported from Japan, including Silk and Leather tsukaito, traditional washi paper hishigami, and high quality sting ray skins (Samegawa). I import full skins from reputable Japanese suppliers, ensuring the best quality, up to museum grade.
I have also gathered the correct Japanese tools to do this work well, I’m skilled with the Kujiri, familiar with the scent of the Uzukuri, and have a well patinaed Kana which has littered my shop floor with wood shavings.
All of this is to say that I quite enjoy the art of making Tsuka, Saya, and Tsukamaki.
I have also successfully made Habaki and Seppa from copper, and I’m experimenting with other materials. I’m also trying to slowly add to my skills in Tsogu by making my own Tsuba, Fuchi and Kashira, though I would probably not accept any commissioned work for these pieces just yet.
When it comes to polishing I still only do Hybrid Polishing to reveal Hamon. This is perfectly adequate for most people, especially those who plan to use their swords for martial arts practice andTamashigiri. I may offer the more traditional Hadori Polishing on natural stones at some point in the future.
Repair & Modification Services
I am happy to offer the following repair services to antique or contemporary Japanese Swords:
- Tsuka Wood Core Re-Construction
- Application of new Samegawa
- Re-Wrapping of Tsuka
- Full Tsuka Re-Construction
- Hybrid Polishing of Modern Swords
- Modification and re-mounting of replica swords
- Collaboration on New Sword projects
Costs of the above services depend entirely on the scale of the project and the exact details of it. I. only use high quality materials from Japan which come at a premium cost, but offer the highest aesthetic value.
If you are interested making use of my services, please contact me to discuss your project.
