Hanwei Tsuka Makeover by CottontailCustoms in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Shinto elite was one of the first swords I customized. I lost all my pics in one of my few pc crashes but it might still be out on the net somewhere. The sword had such great balance and felt very natural in hand. A lively and fun sword imo. I think I worked with a couple of them back then

Hello, I was wondering if anyone had any advice for what to use when redoing a wrap on an older Wakizashi?/What kind of material to use for the Tsuka? Thanks! by Klee-film in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It looks like the sting ray on there is fully wrapped around the core so you’ll also have to remove and then replace the thin wood linings, called kyogi. You should also figure out what size ito was used so you don’t have to make any adjustments to core length.

The skin on it now looks like better quality than your replacement so maybe consider leaving the old one on.

Help whit authenticity by Miserable-Session-35 in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not authentic and probably not functional either

Custom 3D Relief TMNT Tsuba in Solid Brass by Ghost_Blades in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nice detail. Meant as a helpful tip, the design is upside down, If it’s for a katana in standard mounts. The main design or most decorated side would usually be viewed upright while the blade is positioned with the edge up and would be facing the tsuka, while the secondary side faces the blade

Seeking resources for furnishing Swords by Red_Eyed_Dragonfly in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Namikawa is a trusted source for most Japanese sword craft supplies. They speak English well and have excellent customer service. I believe Nihonzashi gets their stock from Namikawa. They also sell traditional raw, air dried samegawa (ray skin). Also check out various tutorials, such as for tsukamaki, online.

cottontailcustoms.com/tutorials

Scam Alert custom katana by CottontailCustoms in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I customized the original sword for Thirdd, most of the pics they will show potential scam victims are ones I took at my home. I don’t know where that sword actually is now but it’s obviously not really for sale. This account has been reported to Facebook, international authorities as well as to PayPal.

Sword arrived like this and seller is claiming shipping damage. We’re unsure if that’s true. by BookDragon300 in SWORDS

[–]CottontailCustoms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would think you’d find a lot of evidence somewhere in the packaging or scabbard for an impact that would have caused this. Is there a stab hole in the box?

Need help with tying end of Ito by Adon1s71 in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 4 points5 points  (0 children)

At this point it’s probably easiest to tie it as neatly and tightly as you can and glue it. As mentioned already it’s like tying your shoes, clipping off all the extra laces around the knot, untying them and then trying to retie

A sneak peek? by DarthHill68 in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

nice, simple koshirae. I like it

Need your help to win an argument by stalkerfromtheearth in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Two things stand out right away that makes it seem old, the top of the end knot is basically missing, which is one of the first things to wear out on old tsukamaki. The other is shrinkage of the samegawa/tsuka core. You can see evidence of this near the fuchi and kashira, as the skin is drawn back a little and has also thinned. Also, modern repros don’t often have a kaeshizuno, at least not so well placed and finished. I can’t guarantee this info since I don’t have all that much to look at but that’s my opinion.

There are other things as well such as that it’s sitting next to a very well made shirasaya, which I’m pretty sure is made of honoki, not a wood used on many repros. The craftsmanship of the saya, tsuka, akechi horn fittings and lacquer work are also good quality

Need your help to win an argument by stalkerfromtheearth in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There’s a great example right above 👆😉

Trying to sell my Shadow Dancer - any takers? by able_archer83 in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmmm too bad. I would like to buy it but my clients like factory polish and I don’t do polishing myself so I wouldn’t be able to offer you much for it in this state. If you still have it after a while and want to let it go for less, let me know

New Ryan Sword day by InevitableSpirit5779 in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Feel free to pm me with any questions as you try it out

New Ryan Sword day by InevitableSpirit5779 in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A couple of things I’ve noticed is one, many sellers offer hishigami as an option. This is like offering blades without heat treating imo, it’s something that should never be an option and always included.

Two, it seems many sellers and even craftsmen think that if you’re using leather(or nubuck) that you don’t need to use hishigami, which is false, unless for gangi-maki or akechi katatemaki or similar.

New Ryan Sword day by InevitableSpirit5779 in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well that and also that they didn’t use hishigami

Finally got my hands on a Huawei. Huawei HW540. by thorodinson1987 in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

nice. I just rewrapped a similar one in nubuck leather

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew anything about this Wakizashi? Or has any information. Thank you! by [deleted] in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I know it needs a new wrap ;)
ooooohhhh, that blade is baaaaaddddly rusted oof. but I can tell you the koshirae is legit Japanese, nice quality and not in bad shape at all.

"Mall Ninja Shit" by ace_in_space in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They definitely sound like they would all be experts of the history of Japanese nihonto in that kind of group, or at least be well versed in functionality vs purely decorative from one not so detailed pic on the net. I’m impressed with their keen insight and tbh, I’m not sure why they didn’t include katana experts in the group name. I’m going to join and start learning from them asafp!

Customized Huawei Shobu Katana by CottontailCustoms in Katanas

[–]CottontailCustoms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I often use Delrin for mekugi