Saya design question

[P. McKinley]

I'm currently designing a saya to house a 7" bladed "tanto-esque" piece. At the moment I'm befuddled by the placement of the kurikata(kurigata??). It is normally(always) placed on the "personal side" of the saya which would mean that when worn in cross-draw/edge up fashion, your hand would have to be awkwardly inverted to draw the blade.

Is it complete sacrilege, or just a bad idea, to place the kurikata on the other side of the saya and wrap the sageo in the opposite direction so the piece can be worn with the blade edge down?

Skool me please.

Thanks,

Peter

 

[Leethal Cutlery]

You do great work Peter! I'd say just do what you think is comfortable. Unless you are trying to go traditional...

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

First, despite what some folks imply, there is no ninja Japanese blade police who will jump out and take your knife away if it doesn't meet their rules.

Second, I don't know that a tanto usually has a kurigata and sageo. I never put one on.

 

[P. McKinley]

Stacy - I tend to walk to the beat of a different, and somewhat rhythm-challenged drummer. But, its good to know that the non-existent secret society won't be placing a price on my head. Phewffffff!!

15th century Tanto:

http://postimage.org/

The addition of kurigata and sageo seems to fit this piece. I understand why these components are placed where they are on a larger waki or katana as the handle rests much higher on the body and is easier to grasp as I mentioned above.

Thanks,

-Peter

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I look forward to seeing the completed project. It is a lot of fun making a handle and sheath blend into one smooth unit.