Brass Menuki?

[yamamatsuryu]

Ok, this is for all those sword-building experts out there in E-budo land. How common is the use of brass in menuki, and what are it's benefits/drawbacks?

Jared Albrecht

[John Lindsey]

I think metal was used in the early tachi, and the mekugi were originally caps on the pins. I think the problem with brass is that you runthe risk of loosing your menuki since it doesn't have the same qualities of bamboo in regards to gripping the menuki ana, especially after multiple insertions? Doesn't brass deform and not bounce back when used like this?

But, I will let the sword gods answer your question...

:karatekid

[Enfield]

Maybe I'm misreading your post, but you seem to be confusing mekugi (the bamboo pin holding the blade in the tsuka) and menuki (the decorative "grip aids" under the ito).

- Kent Enfield

[yamamatsuryu]

OK, here I go again (In greater detail)
I have the option of purchasing brass menuki (The decorative handle grips). I have never heard of using brass before, so I'm asking for information from people who know more about metallurgy than I do (Which is pretty much everyone since I'm just a simpleton farm-person):smash:
Anyway, please continue with this thread, as I'm actually thinking about getting them (Since they're the only ones I've found with a mon I can use).

Jared Albrecht

[John Lindsey]

sorry, I was confused! Its been a long day working here with the new software :)

[yamamatsuryu]

No compliants from me, John, the new board is running smoooooooth!
BTW, next upgrade, can you add a way to search the location of the members? (i.e. all users from Texas or something along those lines).
*ahem*, sorry, I went off topic. Please continue.

Jared Albrecht