Hi all!
I recently purchased a shinken from a friend of mine. The blade itself and the tsuka is fine, and I've replaced the tsuba with a Bakumatsu period (1853-1868) one I bought in Japan earlier this year.
However, the tsuka is not good. The tsuka-ito (wrapping) is in cotton, and not at all as nice as the one I had on my japanese Iaito (silk).
I would like to rewrap the tsuka, preferabbly with brown leather. The same (rayskin) should also be replaced, as it's probably plastic :-(
Anyone have any recommendations on how to proceed in this matter?
I can send the tsuka away for fitting.
Had a look at http://www.japanese-swords.com/ (F. Lohman) - and that seems like a nice place to have this done. However, it's in the US, and they don't seem to send to Europe.
I'm located in Norway (that's in Europe ) .
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!!