Non-traditional Tsuka Materials?

[BePrepared]

Has anyone ever made a tsuka from a metal or carbon fiber material that would be less prone to breaking? From what I know of katana, the real weak spot in a well made katana is the tsuka core. Could this be replaced with something that won't break under extreme pressures while still maintaining the classic katana aesthetic?
'

 

[Dan Keffeler]

yes I use Tero-tuf
Dan

 

[BePrepared]

yes I use Tero-tuf
Dan

That answer came fast. Thanks! It really seemed to me that it would be a major improvement in the overall durability of the weapon. Do you notice a difference in vibration versus a traditional wood core?

 

[Lycosa]

I "think" William Nease uses fiberglass.

 

[NihontoEd]

That peaked my curiosity. Dan, do you still wrap the tsuka over the terotuf ? Do you have any photos of tsuka you have made with this material ?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Lycosa]

btw, Snody uses a softer subwrap, also.

 

[Dan Keffeler]

That peaked my curiosity. Dan, do you still wrap the tsuka over the terotuf ? Do you have any photos of tsuka you have made with this material ?

Thanks,
Ed

here are a few with Tero tuf core and stingray.

 

[Dan Keffeler]

here is a video of cutting with a sword that has a Taro-tuf core.

[video=youtube;rJXP0vR4hnI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJXP0vR4hnI&list=UUdiBPcNxoKS-FvvNgr3ncaQ[/video]

 

[Mecha]

I couldn't help but notice the titanium gladius menuki!