katana handle options

[Dr.O]

Looking for some input. I've forged out, ground, straitened, and normalized a katana blade from 1075 steel.

I'll get some pics up later of what I have, but in the meantime I wanted to see what y'all thought about an "american" style handle with brass guard instead of a traditional tsuka.

Still would like maybe a chiseled and glued design, but permanently attached.

The whole thing is kind of an experiment to see if I can get a sword right with geometry, hamon, and sori, but non traditional furniture.

Thoughts?

 

[Rennd]

I've always been curious how that would look. Personally, I'd say go for it. It think you would want a little subtle jimping on the tang, if it's exposed, to give a little grip. Or, perhaps some sculpting to fit better ergonomically? That's the one thing compromised from switching from wrapped to wood. It sounds like a beautiful idea to me, though. I'm very interested in seeing how it turns out.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Forum Fiend v1.1.7.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

There is no tsuka police. Any handle you like is OK.

Making a mortised handle and permanently gluing it on is done often on "tactical" katana. They are often done with a simple leather wrap. Other times an attractive wood is used. A plain brass guard seated on shoulders with out a habaki or fuchi is also not uncommon.

Try and keep the basic katana tsuka and tsuba look, but you don't have to be traditional.

 

[Dr.O]

Thanks for the info, means a lot .

Here are some pics.