Handle Wrapping

Tom Militano

Tom Militano

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Feb 27, 1999
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:confused: I can get the diamonds pretty uniform, but I'm having problems finishing it on the butt end. What shape, on the end of the handle, makes wrapping it easier? Mine looked like a pile of black spaghetti on the end of the handle until I undid the whole thing. Thanks.
 
You didn't give much info (tanto,katana,paracord,silk maki,etc.)If you are doing regular Tsuka-maki,the end shape easiest is a round radius.The hole should be about 5/16 to 3/8 inch.Look at some of the tutorials and see how to do it.Basically,once you reach the hole,you just keep going around the butt (assuming you have no kashira)and through the hole from both sides,until you meet in the center.A bamboo skewer is a good aid for pushing the maki through the hole.Use the blunt end,not the point.Keep everything flat and tight.When the whole end is covered,come out the hole and go back under the last wrap around the handle and cut the maki off.A dot of super glue will keep it from pulling back out.
Stacy
 
That´s basically how I have been doing it and it works fine.
You may also wish to leave an exposed pommel, and then all you need to do is stop wrapping before it covers all the tang end.
The only tricky part is finding out the adequate hole size for what you want to do, considering the wrapping material thickness - for instance, I have to drill a much bigger hole when I use Japanese ito comparing with the hole I use when I wrap my handles with the cotton flat cord availabile locally. After a couple handles, though, you will have all the knowledge you need.
 
Sorry Stacy, I meant to include you in the "Thanks" too, but had a senior moment. I appreciate the info from you also.
 
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