Pine Wood for Japanese Wood Sheath

[RaiKonJo10]

Hello, I have been wondering how to make one of these, and if Pine wood is a good wood for a sheath. Im currently restoring a yanagiba knife, but i am not sure what sheath material is good.

 

[Alex Topfer]

the usual recommendations are magnolia (traditional for Japanese sheaths as i understand) and poplar (used by Europeans).
i have used radiata pine, but i'm not sure i have enough experience in the long run to recommend it. the issue is tannins leaching out of the wood and affecting the steel, so if you seal the inside that might help

 

[Cushing H.]

They are called “Saya”. My concern with pine is it might be somewhat acidic (though I might be wrong there). If correct, the acid will discolor the steel. Commonly recommended woods are alder and poplar

The edge of a yanagiba is really delicate, so best to stay away from hard species

 

[Hengelo_77]

Pine may leak natural resins

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Pine would be a poor choice.
The simplest wood that is readily available is poplar. You can find it an most big hardware stores and wood shops (Home Depot, etc.)
The American substitute I use is alder, which you can get from most wood suppliers.