Sword Terminology used for Saya parts.
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Note: Water Buffalo horn parts have been traditionally used on the majority of Japanese swords and only the most expensive swords were decorated with metal parts such as those displayed below. The below parts are 'options' and not part of any 'package'. They can easily be added to any newly constructed Saya as per your request. Prices are listed in the 'price list'.
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KOJIRI
Pictured below are high quality copies of original Japanese crafted metal Kojiri that were reproduced by high-tech casting. Part # K-02 (when available) is sized for a Tanto or Wakizashi and is available in Silver only. Both K-02 & K-03 are sized for a Tanto or Wakizashi. The others are Katana size and made of black steel. Our parts are copies of original old Samurai Kojiri that are more traditionally slender in shape when compared to most modern made Saya. K-04 has a unique semi diamond-shaped cross section.
Kojiri are not intended to be 'add-on' items that are easily be fitted to an already existing Saya. Metal Kojiri can only be successfully fitted to a Saya that is under construction, thus allowing the craftsman to make the wood fit the metal part.
In addition to protecting the Saya, the metal Kojiri prevents the tip of the blade from being damage. Adding a Kojiri to your Saya also hints of a touch of class.
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Water Buffalo horn is more easily manipulated and costs considerably less to produce than the above metal parts which accounts for its popularity.
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Note: Each of our Saya and our Tsuka are entirely hand carved to provide an exact custom fit for your sword blade. The use of traditional Japanese Honoki wood insures that rusting of your steel blade will be a non-issue because Honoki is salt free and does not contain the kiln dried water content (15%) of wood commonly available in the USA. Every standard Saya is equipped with traditional Water Buffalo horn parts (Koiguchi, Kurikata and Kojiri) and finally covered with a 12 coat application of hand rubbed Japanese Cashew lacquer.________________________________________________________
NOTE: Metal Kojiri, Kurikata and Koi-guchi are more difficult and more expensive and in most cases impossible to add to an already 'finished' Saya. They are best installed at the time of new Saya construction when the wood can be easily manipulated to fit the metal. More Information is available in the 'price list'.
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