Who Can Briefly Explain The Process Of Making Ray Skin, Cord Wrapped Handles?

[Bimmer1]

I'm interested in a little background info. and general info. on the use of ray skin/ cord wrapped handles used in sword/knife making. Any information would be appreciated. (It's origins, the material itself, durabilty under daily usage, etc....)

 

[Robert Marotz]

I'm sure rayskin/silk was used elsewhere once in a while...it did receive a lot of fame however on the Japanese sword. The wooden core, wrapped in same-kawa (rayskin) and then overwrapped with the silk ito. It provided a very strong, sturdy handle construction as sharkskin/rayskin is about 7 times tougher than cowhide, and silk is the strongest natural fiber in the world, not to mention it has fantastic gripping properties both while wet and dry, is not overly aggressive on the hands, and can be quite a beautiful sight.

I also have seen baskethilts and various saber-type swords with rayskin-wrapped handle, usually bound down with wire from what I've seen.

A lot of makers nowadays do a rayskin and cord wrap for their quasi-japanese style blades, but they really butcher the wrap itself. Fine and dandy if someone wants something modern that looks kinda neat and has good grip properties, but...well nevermind my additional commentary.

As far as Japanese handle wrapping (tsuka maki) there's a whole bunch of different ways of doing it...lots of folks I know dread doing it, because it's such a pain in the ass/wrists/fingers/et cetera while not particularly easy (understatement) to do a good job.

Shinryû.

 

[Bimmer1]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Robert Marotz:
I'm sure rayskin/silk was used elsewhere once in a while...it did receive a lot of fame however on the Japanese sword. The wooden core, wrapped in same-kawa (rayskin) and then overwrapped with the silk ito. It provided a very strong, sturdy handle construction as sharkskin/rayskin is about 7 times tougher than cowhide, and silk is the strongest natural fiber in the world, not to mention it has fantastic gripping properties both while wet and dry, is not overly aggressive on the hands, and can be quite a beautiful sight.

I also have seen baskethilts and various saber-type swords with rayskin-wrapped handle, usually bound down with wire from what I've seen.

A lot of makers nowadays do a rayskin and cord wrap for their quasi-japanese style blades, but they really butcher the wrap itself. Fine and dandy if someone wants something modern that looks kinda neat and has good grip properties, but...well nevermind my additional commentary.

As far as Japanese handle wrapping (tsuka maki) there's a whole bunch of different ways of doing it...lots of folks I know dread doing it, because it's such a pain in the ass/wrists/fingers/et cetera while not particularly easy (understatement) to do a good job.

Shinryû.</font>

"Thanks for that info. I knew that you would have an answer for me. I really like the look of the ray skin/silk cord wrapped handles. I've often wondered how durable they are."

 

[DrRMJ]

Rayskin and silk are pretty tough. My iaito is a little over 2 years old and has been used almost daily. Other than discoloration from sweat, there has been no fraying or damage. Rayskin, epecially if it is completely wrapped around the handle is very tough in its dry state.

Some knife makers, such as RJ Martin and Wally Hayes, and others use rayskin on the handles of their modern knives. Instead of silk, usually a synthetic or nylon wrap is used. It is also dipped or rubbed in some form of epoxy to make it somewhat stronger and waterproof. If done correctly, it actually looks quite nice and offerd pretty good grip too.

[This message has been edited by DrRMJ (edited 12-22-2000).]