[kitaye]

Someone at work owns a Japanese or Chinese sword that is in need of a new wooden scabbard. He asked if I could carve it and I told him no way as I don't have enough experience. Then he started asking what kind of wood he should use. I just don't know.

So, what kind of wood should he use to create a wooden scabbard for a sword? He says it will be lacquered burgundy so the grain is not important. Any thoughts on the matter?

[Eddy Smiles]

Kitaye...

Visit the following link and all your questions about a Saya will be answered. I looked through all my martial arts reference books but didn't find anything until I did a search on Google. It tooks a little while but this is what I came up with.

http://swordforum.com/swords/nihonto/tsuka.html

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Kitaye, its not that hard, two pieces of wood, inlay half the thickness of the blade in each half, glue together and carve whatever they want on the outside...

[AlArchie]

You might also try aspen, sometimes known as poplar, but is a member of the willow family. It is strong, lightweight, easy to work, non resinous, and available. check the big box stores or your local lumber company. It's available in standard sizes, usually 3/4" thick and various widths.

Al

[kitaye]

Originally Posted by Eddy Smiles

Kitaye...

Visit the following link and all your questions about a Saya will be answered. I looked through all my martial arts reference books but didn't find anything until I did a search on Google. It tooks a little while but this is what I came up with.

http://swordforum.com/swords/nihonto/tsuka.html

Awsome link Eddy. Thank you. I sent it off to my coworker.

[kitaye]

Originally Posted by AlArchie

You might also try aspen, sometimes known as poplar, but is a member of the willow family. It is strong, lightweight, easy to work, non resinous, and available. check the big box stores or your local lumber company. It's available in standard sizes, usually 3/4" thick and various widths.

Al

I'll pass that on to him as well. We have a wood supplier here in town that should be able to provide any of the woods listed in the link, or aspen if he decides to pursue this project.

[kitaye]

Originally Posted by Hi_Ho_Sliver

Kitaye, its not that hard, two pieces of wood, inlay half the thickness of the blade in each half, glue together and carve whatever they want on the outside...

lol, I was told Santas are easy to carve too. Wait till you see how well that has worked out. Mostly I'm chicken as I know this blade means a lot to him.

[Eddy Smiles]

Hi-Ho...Al... You guys are probably both right. In reality most of us wouldn't know the difference once the scabbard was coated with a thick layer of lacquer. But in reality, anyone skilled in Iaido (art of sword drawing) or Kenjutsu (techniques of wielding a sword) would know in a heart beat that the scabbard was made out of something other than was is usually used. You were closest Al.. according to that link that I passed on to Kitaye they import Honoki from Japan which they claim is a close relative of the Tulip Poplar here in the States.