Katana in a Tux

Hi Dylan d,
The little pin thing is a bamboo (typically, or traditionally) piece, a little tapered peg, called a mekugi. A person can tap the peg out (longer blades may have two) and can remove the handle (tsuka, pronounced kinda like "ska") to clean the blade, or (especially older swords) to check the signature. The tang (nakago) is allowed to rust or patina naturally, which can make older blades hard to identify (the maker, that is). The mekugi typically enters from the right, if at the front of the handle, so your right hand blocks it from coming out during use, though it should be a fairly tight fit. Hope you don't mind that I answered for you, Bailey!

James
 
Nice piece Bailey, I'm finally getting back out in the shop, had a lot of down time, life's been rough around here for a while but getting things going again. Keep up the good work. Dwayne
 
Bail,

Looking real good. That sweep to the blade still looks like the hardest part. Your laquer work has improved.

-Sam
 
Same as all of the above.

Glad your back Bailey
 
That's one slick piece of craftsmanship. I would like to see it up close but i'm afraid of rusting it with drool...
 
Too much for words....
Gives pounders like me something to shoot for.....

Thanks for the look-see.
 
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