Fixing a saya

[getwet]

My martial arts instructor gave me her practice sword to fix today because the saya was getting worn out. Is there a way that I can re build or repair the saya without having to make a new one? The only part that really matters is up at the top where the blade exits. If it would be easier I can post pics but I am not sure that it would help.
Thanks

 

[Whoever Wherever]

You cannot repair it in any easy way. The fit and ifinish of a saya alone will tell the skill level of the swordsman. Any knick or gouge in the saya throat or koi-guchi show the utmost disrespect to the sword. Wood chips or shaving falling out of the saya amount to the same. If the sword is worth it I would commision a new one, if not keep the saya as a reminder. I have a buddy that makes sayas for a living usually with inlays and fluting. I will try and drop him an emule but he is wandering brasil if I'm not mistaken. If teh fit is bad though the saya needs to be replaced as the koi-guchi alone does not give the sword its snug fit. This is why nukitsuke and noto (drawing and sheathing) are practiced as much as cutting and kata. Is he a Aikido instructor by any chance?
edit: no disrespect to the instructor, just pointing out how serious it was taken that the saya not be dammaged.

 

[getwet]

I totally understand what you are saying and this is not “sensei’s” sword just another one that she lets beginners use for iaito practice. Since it has been used by pretty much only beginners, for many years, the saya has not seen much respect. From what you say the only real remedy is a new one, more work than I wanted to do this weekend but possible. Thanks for your help.