Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
- Messages
- 38,499
Sam - my email doesn't show up as being received, so I will post my response here. I may have worded some things poorly. I meant no disrespect to you or the sword.
The sword is really nice, and I was in no way saying that there was anything wrong with it. That plus - It is your sword
I was only making suggestions. The explanation was in answer to you asking for why a longer handle and epoxy.
A wakizashi is a short sword - the name means "Side Sword"
Tanto means "Short Sword", but that translates reads more like "A knife made like a small sword". This is to separate it from an aikuchi and other knives.
A sword is not a long knife. The balance and function are different.
The standard handle length for a tanto is 5-6" ,a wakizashi 7-9" and a katana 10-13". These lengths give each their function and balance.
What I was saying about the grip photos is that your hand pretty much covers the entire handle. In the draw, the thumb is placed over the tsuba edge and the sword is drawn. Then it is placed along the tsuka as in the second photo. From there it may be moved back, or even reversed. On a too short wakizashi handle, the sword may be hard keep in control in certain swings or reversals.
In certain blocking motions, the second hand is used to brace the butt and provide more stopping power to the opponents blade.
In some cuts, the second hand adds speed and power to the cut.
The tsuka-maki on swords in done with a very strong braided flat lace, and is tightly wrapped. The method of wrapping locks it together. Even with that it come loose with use, and occasionally needs to be unwrapped and re-done.
Round paracord is going to try and roll, no matter how tight you pull it. Many paracord wrapped sword and knife handles are impregnated by brushing with thin epoxy, which soaks in quickly , and becomes invisible. This locks the cord solid and increases the wear resistance as well as the security. I use System Three Clear Coat, which is almost water thin. I brush it on with a flux brush, just enough to "wet" the cord. It soaks right in and when dry doesn't change the look at all. Unless you use too much, it doesn't make the handle too hard feeling.
I hope to see the two of you ( and the sword) at Ashokan ....if they ever post the registration form .
The sword is really nice, and I was in no way saying that there was anything wrong with it. That plus - It is your sword
I was only making suggestions. The explanation was in answer to you asking for why a longer handle and epoxy.
A wakizashi is a short sword - the name means "Side Sword"
Tanto means "Short Sword", but that translates reads more like "A knife made like a small sword". This is to separate it from an aikuchi and other knives.
A sword is not a long knife. The balance and function are different.
The standard handle length for a tanto is 5-6" ,a wakizashi 7-9" and a katana 10-13". These lengths give each their function and balance.
What I was saying about the grip photos is that your hand pretty much covers the entire handle. In the draw, the thumb is placed over the tsuba edge and the sword is drawn. Then it is placed along the tsuka as in the second photo. From there it may be moved back, or even reversed. On a too short wakizashi handle, the sword may be hard keep in control in certain swings or reversals.
In certain blocking motions, the second hand is used to brace the butt and provide more stopping power to the opponents blade.
In some cuts, the second hand adds speed and power to the cut.
The tsuka-maki on swords in done with a very strong braided flat lace, and is tightly wrapped. The method of wrapping locks it together. Even with that it come loose with use, and occasionally needs to be unwrapped and re-done.
Round paracord is going to try and roll, no matter how tight you pull it. Many paracord wrapped sword and knife handles are impregnated by brushing with thin epoxy, which soaks in quickly , and becomes invisible. This locks the cord solid and increases the wear resistance as well as the security. I use System Three Clear Coat, which is almost water thin. I brush it on with a flux brush, just enough to "wet" the cord. It soaks right in and when dry doesn't change the look at all. Unless you use too much, it doesn't make the handle too hard feeling.
I hope to see the two of you ( and the sword) at Ashokan ....if they ever post the registration form .
