Tsuka & Saya Crafting

Tsuka & Saya Crafting — 柄と鞘の製作

Blade Length Classifications

ClassificationMetric LengthShaku / SunInchesNotes
Tanto0–30 cm0–1 shaku0–11.8 inShort blade
Wakizashi30–60 cm1–2 shaku11.8–23.6 inMedium blade
Katana60–72 cm2–2.4 shaku23.6–28.3 inStandard sword
Ō-Katana72–90 cm2.4–3 shaku28.3–35.4 inLong warrior sword
Ōdachi / Nodachi90+ cm3+ shaku35.4+ inUltra-long sword

Traditional Handle & Scabbard Work for Japanese Blades

A sword is not complete without its tsuka (handle) and saya (scabbard).

At Isshin Katana, every piece is made to match the blade’s personality — precise, tight, and carved with intention.

We craft tsuka and saya using hand tools, traditional fitment methods, and calm, disciplined workmanship.

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TSUKA CRAFTING — 柄の製作

A properly made tsuka is:

  • Secure
  • Balanced
  • Compression-fitted
  • Comfortable to grip
  • Shaped to the tang (nakago) correctly

Our tsuka work includes:

• Custom Tsuka Core (Ho wood)

Hand-carved to capture the exact shape of your tang.

• Samegawa (Ray Skin) Panels

Applied for reinforcement and traditional aesthetics.

• Ito-Maki Wrapping

Tight, clean, and functional wrapping with your choice of color.

• Mekugi-ana Alignment

Ensuring the peg hole aligns perfectly with your blade’s tang.

• Full Fitting & Testing

Tsuka is fitted, tension-tested, and reviewed for structural integrity.

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SAYA CRAFTING — 鞘の製作

The saya protects the blade, and must be carved to the blade’s curvature and depth.

Our saya work includes:

• Custom Wood Saya (Tanto → Odachi lengths)

Carved and shaped specifically to your blade’s geometry.

• Koiguchi, Kurigata, Kojiri Shaping

Correct front mouth, cord fitting, and end-cap shaping.

• Scabbard Interior Fitting

Ensuring the blade seats properly, smoothly, and without rattle.

• Lacquer or Satin Finishing (Optional)

Depending on client preference — understated and traditional.

• Saya Repairs

Dent removal, crack repair, refitting, and refinishing.

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Why Choose Our Craftsmanship?

  • All work is done by hand.
  • No power carving machines.
  • No rushed production.
  • You get true intention-based craftsmanship — not mass-market fittings.
  • We honor Japanese functional design principles.
  • Every piece is built with calm discipline and precision.

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Saya Repair

Service — Price

  • Koiguchi Repair — $50
  • Kurigata Repair — $40
  • Kojiri Repair — $40
  • Crack Fill / Surface Repair — $40–$75

Saya Rebuild (Full Replacement)

Plain wood only (honoki-style), no artwork

Blade Type — Price

  • Tanto — $150
  • Wakizashi — $225
  • Katana — $300
  • Ō-Katana — $375
  • Ōdachi — $450

Saya Lacquer / Paint — Basic Colors Only

(Black, brown, red, white — no artwork; horn fittings extra)

Blade Type — Lacquer Price

  • Tanto — +$80
  • Wakizashi — +$100
  • Katana — +$120
  • Ō-Katana — +$150
  • Ōdachi — +$200

Buffalo Horn Add-Ons

Item — Price

  • Horn Koiguchi — +$40
  • Horn Kurigata — +$30
  • Horn Kojiri — +$40

TSUKA SERVICES (Handle Work)

Tsuka Re-Wrap (Ito Replacement)

Standard hineri-maki (traditional wrap)

Wrap Type — Price

  • Cotton Ito — $120
  • Silk Ito — $150
  • Leather Ito — $175

Tsuka Repair

Service — Price

  • Wood Core Reinforcement — $60
  • Samegawa Panel Repair (Partial) — $40
  • Samegawa Panel Replacement (Full) — $120
  • Fuchi/Kashira Fit Adjustment — $30
  • Tsuka Alignment Correction — $40

Tsuka Rebuild (Full Replacement)

New wood core, shaped and fitted to blade; no samegawa or wrap included

Blade Type — Price

  • Tanto — $125
  • Wakizashi — $175
  • Katana — $225
  • Ō-Katana — $275
  • Ōdachi — $350

Samegawa (Ray Skin) Options

Type — Price

  • Panel Samegawa Installation — +$50
  • Full Wrap Samegawa — +$150

Menuki Installation

Service — Price

  • Install Customer-Supplied Menuki — $20
  • Install New Menuki (Provided by You) — $30

Notes

  • All work is performed using traditional hand methods only — no shortcuts, no power tools, and no risk of edge burn or damage. Each blade is handled with meticulous, honorable care in a disciplined, Zen-focused process.

🪵* Wood Options for Saya & Tsuka

High-quality woods used in traditional Japanese sword mountings. Options available for tanto → odachi.

Standard Woods

  • Honoki (Japanese Magnolia) — Premium, traditional, best for professional saya/tsuka
  • Ho Wood (Asian Magnolia) — High quality, stable, traditional substitute

For Tsuka & Saya Inquiries

Send photos or questions to:

contact@isshin-katana.com

We offer free evaluations.

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