Tozando Suzaku Iaito Tsuka Makeover

This is the tsuka to a Tozando Suzaku iaito that came in for repair and a new look. There was a pretty large crack near the top but as it was a clean break and also because it's an iaito, it was able to be safely repaired with a high quality wood glue. There were other challenges with this project, which I always appreciate since it keeps things interesting and helps me learn. One was the huge fish menuki, they were very long as well as very thick/tall. Their key features also took some creative planning in order to not cover them with the wrap and I also had to allow for the extra thickness so they didn't stand too far out from the tsuka's surface. The second challenge was the ito itself, or rather the ito in this particular style. The whole wrap took about three times as long to complete, which as I told my client, was well worth it in the end, imho. I replaced the original samegawa with a set of premium level panels, polished and lacquered black. I then wrapped the core in imported luxurious, plush, gorgeous dark brown, reinforced nubuck ito, in tsumamimaki style. If you haven't felt ito like this, you're definitely missing out. It feels like heaven in the hands, provides great grip and it's also incredibly strong and stretch resistant. Like many quality leather items, it also ages well, gaining character as it's used. Have I mentioned I love nubuck ito? 😅 Like I mentioned, I always appreciate challenges because I learn more then I would without them and it does keep me on my toes. I also really appreciate my return clients, especially those who have dedicated so much time and effort and love to the Japanese sword arts. I hope this tsuka serves you well and I look forward to next time. #tsukamaki #tsukamae #katanacraft #tozando #iaito #iaido #nubuckito #samegawa