Our handle wrapping service has been satisfying customers for over 23 year.  Our continued success is a result of our skilled craftsmen who have been 'Japanese' trained in the subtle nuances that make a wrapped handle look 'Great' instead of merely acceptable.
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Learn more about our exclusive TSUNAMI handle wrapping cord (Tsuka-ito).

A camera, a computer and lighting must be in sync to reproduce the same color of the same object. The photo of the various colors to the left was taken several years ago and the TSUNAMI sample photo to the right were taken after we recently added Chocolate Brown color to our inventory.  One can assume that the actual colors are somewhere in between what you see in the two photo's. Samples are available.  On the right photo, starting at the top are Mid Brown, Reddish Brown, dark Chocolate Brown, Ivy Green, Navy Blue, Battleship Gray, Cranberry Red and Black. 

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Because of its similarity to genuine suede leather and the fact that is more easily cleaned, TSUNAMI has been our best seller to those who 'use' their swords.

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I was contacted some time ago by 'Greg' who identified himself as a prospective customer who wanted to know more about our 'exclusive' TSUNAMI handle wrapping cord (Tsukaito). Because Russ McCartney of Seattle has an established a GUINNESS World Record cutting GOZO (mat) using his sword with a Tsuka wrapped with the TSUNAMI, I suggested to Greg that he should contact Russ directly because he would receive an opinion from an very active 'user' who has a great deal of first hand experience with our TSUNAMI. The following is a copy of Greg's inquiry and a reply from Russ.

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 GREG   wrote:     Mr. McCartney,   Fred Lohman suggested that it would be O.K. if I mailed you regarding the Tsunami Tsuka ito you are having your school's sword handles wrapped with. I have a high-end Iaito that is my primary practice sword but the silk Tsuka ito is wearing out right where it sits in the crotch of my thumb - unfortunately. Obviously I want my handles rewrapped so it will last many years, and will not fall apart.   Has your experience with Fred's work been 100% satisfactory, and is this Tsunami good to practice with? Thanks in advance, Greg

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"Greg, Yes I have recommended the TSUNAMI wrap from Fred Lohman to everyone who is interested in a durable long lasting slip resistant Tsukamaki.  Its texture and feel is far superior to any of the materials that I have used in the past (I have tried them all) and consistently meets my requirements for durability and most importantly, reliability and longevity.   Of course various sorts of handle wrap material can do the job under light training conditions yet the TSUNAMI wrap holds up under the duress of hundreds of swings without gumming up and becoming slick like silk will.  Additionally, there is not the heat issues from friction that accompany heavy training schedules.  I have had over 15 swords wrapped in as many years and given the opportunity to do it again, I would have used Fred's TSUNAMI on them all. It is extra-ordinary stuff from the quality of the material to the symmetry of the diamonds to the tightness of the twists, Fred had a winning combination."

Domo Desu,   Russell McCartney  Founder and Chief Instructor

Shin Koryu, IshiYama Battojutsu and Peak Performance Sword Systems PH: 206.321.8878 Email: info@virtualronin.com

www.ishiyamaryu.com                   ( An unsolicited testimonial that tells it like it is !  )

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Leather Wrap

Two of our most recently introduced new products are our LEATHER and TSUNAMI handle wrapping materials.

Below, lying on silk brocade is a Tsuka (handle) wrapped with black leather. It is a combination of the top grade leather and the experience of the handle wrapper that produces the below result.

Our Leather (# 1 grade) is available in both Black and  Brown colors

Leather supplied from other sources will stretch like a rubber band but we solved that problem.  Our leather is 100% 'non-stretch' and that means that during the wrapping process, the cord can be cinched up tight and therefore will not loosen even when under heavy use.

Although it was initially introduced at $5 per foot and competitively priced in Japan at $6 to $8 per foot, the popularity of our leather has made it possible for us to offer it at the same price as the TSUNAMI and Silk.

Psssss't.. Pass it around.... we also offer BLACK Stingray skin as a free option at no additional cost !

(Tanto) String Wrap

 

Battle Wrap

Battle wrap ( directly below ).. cord wrapped over the top of Menuki

Tsunami cord

Standard wrap

Tachi Wrap

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Click here to view an illustrated breakdown of the Tsuka.

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A small display of a variety of wrapping styles. 

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Handle replacement

We recommend a complete inspection of the wooden portion (the 'core' or 'foundation') of older handles for cracks and/or other damage, especially in the Mekugi-ana area where improperly tools may have been used to remove the peg.  Most WW-2 handles are + 65 years old and in many cases, have not been well cared for. Wood deteriorates and if damage is obvious, safety becomes a prime consideration and handle replacement is recommended.

Be it a NATIONAL TREASURE or a handle for your favorite brush cutter, if it needs help, we have skilled workers who can do the job.

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 'Stingray skin'

Because we are also a major importer and supplier of Stingray skins, our customers can be

assured that they will always receive a high grade and available at reasonable prices.

Psssss't.. Pass it around....We have been providing BLACK colored Stingray skin under the wrapping cord for years and, at NO additional charge (that means FREE).

We recommend replacement of the existing Stingray skin if it shows signs of wear. Small cracks, separations or missing parts of the skin are the best indication that its important to replace it and now would be the opportune time to have it done.

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Prices

Our service costs are as follows:

• Handle wrapping charge:  Still only $195, 'domestic' return postage is free.

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• 'International' return postage is $30

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• Add $20 for each inch of handle over 11 inches to cover cord cost.

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Our handle wrapping and sword restoration service is available to all

antique Japanese swords, modern made genuine Japanese swords,

Chinese copies of Japanese swords and domestically produced

Japanese style replica swords. 

Remember, If it's not Made in Japan, its not a genuine Japanese sword.

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Mailing Your Handle

Please use the U.S. Postal Service to send your handles or swords and make sure to

send them "INSURED MAIL".  Unlike UPS, FED-EX or DHL, our Postman will not

leave your property on our porch without a signature.

 Special shipping instructions are available for mailing blades that are not in regular

mounts or Shirasaya.  When packaging, please do not use plastic 'peanuts'.

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If you are unable to remove the handle from the sword, you may send the entire sword but

a return postage charge of $25 must be added.  Please, do not send your sword bag.

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Normal 'turn around time' is between 3 and 4 weeks.

Please do not send swords or handles without first calling:  (503) 282-4567

to confirm an appointment and to receiving special shipping instructions.

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Due to Hardware, software, etc, colors vary from monitor to monitor and if this is a major concern, please order the samples.

Silk wrapping cord (Tsuka-ito) samples are available for $10. 

The sample pack consists of short strips of all available colors.

Included in the sample pack are pieces of TSUNAMI as well as our fantastic Leather cord.

Having us tie your handle is a good investment as we guarantee that it will not ever loosen.

All handle wrapping cord (Tsuka-ito) is priced at $4.00 per foot.  

Psssss't.. Pass it around....We also offer BLACK Same'... and have been doing it for years. . . and,  at no additional cost !

The QUESTION:    "HOW MUCH CORD WILL I NEED?"

The ANSWER: Use this simple FORMULA... Take the 'inch length' of your handle and convert the 'inches' to 'feet' and add 4 feet of cord. In other words, an 8 inch handle will need 12 feet of cord and a 9 inch handle will need 13 feet, etc.

To eliminate guesswork when ordering COLORS like Blue or Green (because of the number of shades of these colors), please send a small sample along with the payment and your handle.

Handle-wrapping Prices