How long should a tsuka be?

Iaito Size & Weight Comparative Table

What is tsuka in katana?

The Tsuka is the katana’s handle. The tsuka has been constructed many different ways but the traditional tsuka will be made from wood and custom fit to the blades tang and held by 1-2 mekugi pins. The wood handle is either wrapped in ray skin or channeled for rayskin inserts.

What is a tsuka Ito?

Ito – Wrapping of a Samurai Sword. Ito is commonly referred to as Tsuka-Ito which means handle wrapping or handle cord. Its main purpose is both aesthetic and functional, it reinforces the tsuka and prevents technical failure when using the sword.

How heavy should a katana be?

The weight of the katana differs from sword to sword. The mass of a katana without saya (scabbard) ranges between 900 g and 1400 g (2 lbs to 3.1 lbs). On average a katana weighs 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs).

How is the tsuka made?

A tsuka is created in two distinct stages, first the wood is split and the inside carved to receive the tang, and then it is joined back together and the outside is shaped.

What are tsuka made of?

The all natural glue contains nothing but delicious Japanese rice and a little bit of extra water. One of the reasons rice glue was originally chosen for making tsuka is that it is non acidic, does not degrade either the steel or the wood over time, and does not retain moisture.

Is a katana heavy?

The weight of the katana differs from sword to sword. The mass of a katana without saya (scabbard) ranges between 900 g and 1400 g (2 lbs to 3.1 lbs). On average a katana weighs 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs). The scabbard adds another 100-200 grams (0.22 to 0.45 lbs) on top of that.

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