Your Saya will be hand carved, hand filed and sanded (custom made) to fit your sword blade. Traditional HONOKI wood is used and each Saya is fitted with genuine Water Buffalo horn parts (no plastic or wood) and after proper shaping and sanding, it is coated with 12 layers of genuine hand rubbed Japanese Cashew lacquer (no auto paint or spray can used in our shop). As a result of our high standard of workmanship and care, our Saya have been judged to be a superior value when compared to all others.
For Saya restoration and replacement, we provide:
- All newly made Saya are produced (hand carved) in our Portland shop & custom fitted to your sword blade.
- Our custom made Saya are made with the use of traditional Japanese Honoki wood (exclusive) and are provided with a hand rubbed finish of multiple layers of Japanese Cashew lacquer.
- Our choice of using aged salt free Honoki wood guarantees that your Sword will not suffer the very common rusting and pitting problems that has been associated with Honoki wood. Most kiln dried wood has a moisture content of 12 to 15% which can contribute to premature rusting of your sword blade.
- The extra hard Cashew lacquer provides our traditional Saya with long lasting dent and ding resistance.
- The (see below) application of Same' or Rattan not only adds beauty and value to your Saya, it also adds extra protection for your hand and extends the use of your Saya by denying premature splitting.
Each Saya is fitted with genuine Water Buffalo Horn Kurikata, Koiguchi and Kojiri and each is available with a Sageo of your choice.
Same' covered Saya: The above Same' has been sanded smooth and filled with polished lacquer. Same' added to the Koiguchi area (as above) is also offered 'un-sanded' (painted black) and is preferred by those who enjoy a rougher texture.
Rattan-covered Saya: The above Saya features Rattan covering on the Koiguchi area. Available with clear lacquer (as above) or lacquered to match the color of the Saya.
Red Streaked Saya: The above style of Saya is another classic design that was very popular during the troubled times of the 1860's - 1870's. It is designed to create the illusion of an old piece of lacquer work that has been painted with alternating layers of black and red, and then worn down over time from handling to reveal the bottom color.
Custom Saya colors, the red streaked style, Rattan or Same' added to the Saya are available as 'extras'.
Same' (stingray skin) added to your Saya (scabbard): $45 per inch
Rattan added to your scabbard: $25 per inch
Custom (other than black) colored Saya are $75 extra
The 'streaked' Saya application is $80 extra
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Unless specifically requested otherwise, our Saya are fitted with the popular & exclusive below horn Kurikata # 32.
Kurikata # 32 features a smoothly polished hole that totally eliminates Sageo fraying and the need for Shitodomé.
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In addition to custom made Saya, we also offer SHIRASAYA (above) and replacement liners for WW-2 metal Swords. Shirasaya are offered in plain unadorned wood. Decorative Mekugi-ana reinforcement (above & below) or Koiguchi / Fuchi water Buffalo horn reinforcements are available as an option.
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MAILING SWORDS :
NOTE: Swords sent for Saya replacement or 'full package restoration' should be mailed (U. S. Postal Service) in their original Saya if possible. If no Saya exists, contact us for instructions and photo's of how to mail a 'bare blade'.
If the original Saya is partially or fully split, it can still be used to safely mail the sword providing the two sides of the Saya are securely taped together with lots of 'duct' tape any Nylon reinforced tape.
THE 'ORIGINAL' Saya: Unless you have a special need for the 'old' Saya, they are discarded because they have no further use or value. If your sword blade is being polished, it is not a good idea to be put a freshly polished blade back into an old Saya due to the contaminants in the old Saya.
If you still want the original Saya or Tsuka returned, make sure to print your name & address on a tag and secure the tag to them along with a note indicating your desire to have them returned.
Please use the U.S. Postal Service for sending your swords to us and add 'insurance'. Insurance will require a signature and as a result, your sword will not be left on our doorstep. (Please do not send your sword using UPS, FED-EX, DHL, etc....)
Proper sized cartons (6 x 6 x 48 inches) and the preferred plastic bubble pack material are available at all 'UPS stores'.
Please, 'peanuts' are not to be used in the packaging of your sword.
Please, do not send your sword bag with the sword.
To eliminate damage to your sword while it is in transit, avoid using sub-standard packaging or light weight paper tubes that are meant for engineering plans & calendars. We don't want our P.O. carrier stabbed or seriously cut by a improperly packaged sword. Avoid using heavy plastic pipe because it is not really needed and will cost an arm & a leg to mail.
Very important: When mailing your swords, please include your 'LIST' of instructions securely taped to the handle (not tossed into the carton). Send your sword to the below address.