How to Customize a Tsuka

Customizing your tsuka can give your Japanese sword a personal flair that matches its owner. Although there are some traditional methods, colors and patterns that have been used for several years, you are free to choose your own. Whether you are choosing red, snakeskin wrappings with an intricate wrap design, a beautiful silk wrapping with a decorative wrap design or a traditional black leather wrap, the possibilities are endless. Choose what feels right to you.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrapping material
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your ito-wrapping material. Most commonly used materials are strong, flattened silk or leather, but you will also find snakeskin, lacquered paper, string or cord wrap used for this purpose. Wrap the tsuka with a base wrapping in place and then wrap your chosen material around the handle.

    • 2

      Choose the color you want to use for your tsuka wrapping. Black is the traditional color, but dark shades, gold, white and other colors are available. There are even patterned designs you can choose from.

    • 3

      Pick a design or pattern. There are more than 70 different styles and techniques for wrapping. Hineri-maki is a basic diamond-style wrapping in which the wrapping material twists and crosses each other. Katate-maki wraps around the middle of the handle, leaving the menuki exposed. Tsumami-maki uses two strands of material that are pinched and tucked in a pattern, instead of using a folding method. If you don't like these designs, there are plenty more to choose from to fit your personal style.