jblakey
Well-Known Member
Picked up a used Masahiro Budd's Sword / Katana from eBay a couple of weeks ago, and finally got around to picking up the parcel. I thought this sword might have a good chance of being a reasonable replica with a bit of work, and it looks like that's going to be the case.
I knew going in that the handle fittings (fuchi/kashira/menuki) were not accurate and would need replacing. I was hoping the saya would be OK, and the engraving on the blade would be accurate. Well, I guess one out of two isn't bad. The saya isn't awful, but instead of using rattan for the wrap, it looks like some kind of thin plastic was used. It's hard to believe that was cheaper than rattan, but maybe it was easier to source. The engraving is surprisingly very accurate. It's etched, not carved, but it looks like Masahiro worked from a screen capture to make their template. Very close to the OP, IMHO.
So, now I need to order up some fittings and some Japanese black cotton ito (handle wrap cord) for the rewrap. I'm going to replace the seppa, tsuba, fuchi/kashira, menuki, sageo, and silver plate the habaki. That seems like a lot, now that I think about it, for what's a pretty close replica out of the box. Well, everybody's got their own crazy, I guess
And then I have to rework the saya a bit...
Thanks,
jason
I knew going in that the handle fittings (fuchi/kashira/menuki) were not accurate and would need replacing. I was hoping the saya would be OK, and the engraving on the blade would be accurate. Well, I guess one out of two isn't bad. The saya isn't awful, but instead of using rattan for the wrap, it looks like some kind of thin plastic was used. It's hard to believe that was cheaper than rattan, but maybe it was easier to source. The engraving is surprisingly very accurate. It's etched, not carved, but it looks like Masahiro worked from a screen capture to make their template. Very close to the OP, IMHO.
So, now I need to order up some fittings and some Japanese black cotton ito (handle wrap cord) for the rewrap. I'm going to replace the seppa, tsuba, fuchi/kashira, menuki, sageo, and silver plate the habaki. That seems like a lot, now that I think about it, for what's a pretty close replica out of the box. Well, everybody's got their own crazy, I guess
And then I have to rework the saya a bit...Thanks,
jason
