Our Handle Wrapping page has additional information regarding ordering handle wrapping cord (Tsuka-ito).  To those who are unfamiliar with Japanese words and how to pronounce them, (used on this page and others), you have my sympathy. I prefer the word 'handle' ...but 'Tsuka' is the term collectors and those practitioners of the 'slice and dice' philosophy are encouraged to use. Anyhow, Tsuka-ito is the name for handle wrapping cord (also referred to as 'ito').  Tsukamaki is the name of the process of wrapping the handle and a Tsukamaki-shi is the person doing the wrapping.  I guess it all makes sense, right ?

Cameras are easily fooled and computer monitors hardly ever display the exact shades of colors. There are two different photo's above, taken years apart with the 2nd one taken when we added our Chocolate Brown Tsunami. (from top down, picture # 2 that displays Black on the bottom):  Medium Brown, Reddish Brown, Chocolate Brown, Ivy Green, Navy Blue, Battleship Gray, Cranberry Red and Black.

Learn more about the exclusive TSUNAMI handle wrapping cord.

Some time ago I was contacted by 'Greg', a prospective customer who wanted to know more about our 'exclusive' TSUNAMI handle wrapping cord. Because Russ McCartney of Seattle holds a GUINNESS World Record for cutting GOZO (mat) using his sword with a Tsuka wrapped with the TSUNAMI, I suggested that he contact Russ directly as he would receive a first hand opinion from an very active 'user' who has a great deal of 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 e-mailed you regarding the Tsunami cord your working sword handles are wrapped with. I have a high-end Iaito which is my primary practice sword but the silk Tsuka ito is wearing out right where it sits in the crotch of my thumb. 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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Russ replied:  "Greg, I have recommended Fred's TSUNAMI to everyone who is interested in a durable long lasting slip resistant Tsuka.  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 do. 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 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              A testimonial that tells it like it is !  Thanks Russ !

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FINE LEATHER Leather handle wrapping cord (TSUKA-ITO)  is available from both us and Japanese suppliers but because we manufacture our  cord right here in the USA and set up a hands on quality control station, not only is our cord superior in every way but you won't need to pay $5, $6 or $7 per foot for 'imported' leather.  Our (exclusive) non-stretch leather is 'Made in America' and when we wrap your handle, the cost of the leather is included in the price and you have our guarantee that your handle wrap will always remain tight.   Still only $195.

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The undisputed elegance of black Leather on black Same' 

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SILK  The below handle wrapping cord is pure Silk and a few of the colors

are available in all three weights (Katana, Wakizashi and Tanto).

TSUKA-ITO       (handle wrapping cord)  

'Tachi Sageo' are similar to Katana Sageo except they cost $8 more because they are 7 feet long instead of 5.5 feet and are available in a much wider selection of colors.  Our Sageo are not SILK.  IF you want a Silk Sageo (special order only), they are available but will cost $60 instead of $12.  Most who use our synthetic Sageo feel that there is little difference between the two.

'TACHI' size SAGEO     Wider and thicker cord used to secure the sword to your waist.

01. Woodpecker 02. Cream 03. Silver, it comes closest to matching the GRAY TSUNAMI 04. Teal Green (we have matching Ito) 05. Teal Blue (we have matching Ito) 06. White (we have matching Ito) 07. Black with White flecks 08. Black (we have matching Ito) 09. Black with Blue flecks 10. Brown with White flecks 11. Brown 12. Green with Brown flecks 13. Brown with Green flecks 14. Blue with Brown flecks

15. Navy Blue (Matching ito is available) 16. Blue with Green flecks 17. Blue with Gold flecks 18. Brown with Gold flecks 19. Black with Gold flecks 20. Gold with Black flecks 21. Gold 22. Blood Red with White flecks (matching Ito is available) 23. Blood Red (matching Ito is available) 24. Blood Red with Black flecks (matching Ito is available) 25. Burgundy Red (matching Ito is available)

 colors will vary slightly because of different monitor settings.

Click here to check out a few interesting SAGEO TYING STYLES

  'KATANA' SAGEO  (66" average length) Heavier cord used to secure the Sword to your waist.