I tested a hatchet by rubbing my thumb on it one time and it cut my thumb wide open and that was an old camping hatchet! I did the same thing again with someone’s pocket knife … couldn’t even feel it so cut close to the bone I guess. Moral of the story is not supposed to be that I am an idiot for doing it twice but never test a blade with your thumb. Some blades cut like melted butter. Never even felt the cuts. It’s completely backwards of what you think your senses will tell you. I will never touch a sword, probably cut off my whole thumb if I did.
Around the 9:30 mark where I held the blade with my thumb? The sharp edge is pointed forwards and I'm holding it on the sides. If it wasn't that, the "thumbnail test" is to very gently put the edge against your thumb nail and see if it slides across it or scrapes a bit. Moving your thumb while the sword is stationary works best. But definitely don't use the fleshy edge of your thumb unless you enjoy bleeding lol.
I plan on replacing my Fuchi, Menuki, and Kashira with new replacements. Do you think it's relatively easy to re-wrap the handle? Considering I'm going to have to in order to replace them
It is relatively easy to rewrap, but difficult to do it well. Some companies have been doing it for years and still don't do a very good job, which I take as perspective on only doing it a few times as likely not going to be a very good job overall. It is a skill that takes practice to get good at. But the nice part is if you do it and don't like it, you can just do it again. If the sword is still usable, I would start with a practice piece first - a bokken or any oval shaped piece. Do that until you're happy with it, then do it on the sword. And good luck!
No signature on the tang that I recall, and I cleaned off the light rust. When I pop it apart again to fix the new tsuba rattle I'll let you know if there is one, but fairly sure there wasn't. I don't remember seeing a signature on any of my swords although I know they're all modern makes.
I tested a hatchet by rubbing my thumb on it one time and it cut my thumb wide open and that was an old camping hatchet! I did the same thing again with someone’s pocket knife … couldn’t even feel it so cut close to the bone I guess. Moral of the story is not supposed to be that I am an idiot for doing it twice but never test a blade with your thumb. Some blades cut like melted butter. Never even felt the cuts. It’s completely backwards of what you think your senses will tell you. I will never touch a sword, probably cut off my whole thumb if I did.
Around the 9:30 mark where I held the blade with my thumb? The sharp edge is pointed forwards and I'm holding it on the sides. If it wasn't that, the "thumbnail test" is to very gently put the edge against your thumb nail and see if it slides across it or scrapes a bit. Moving your thumb while the sword is stationary works best. But definitely don't use the fleshy edge of your thumb unless you enjoy bleeding lol.
I plan on replacing my Fuchi, Menuki, and Kashira with new replacements. Do you think it's relatively easy to re-wrap the handle? Considering I'm going to have to in order to replace them
It is relatively easy to rewrap, but difficult to do it well. Some companies have been doing it for years and still don't do a very good job, which I take as perspective on only doing it a few times as likely not going to be a very good job overall. It is a skill that takes practice to get good at. But the nice part is if you do it and don't like it, you can just do it again. If the sword is still usable, I would start with a practice piece first - a bokken or any oval shaped piece. Do that until you're happy with it, then do it on the sword. And good luck!
@@SamuraiJames Thanks for the insight, much appreciated! I’ll keep this in mind
awesome nodachi
Thank you!
Is it okay to not use the seppa it the new tsuba is thick?
Yes. Seppa are spacers. They take out the sloppy gap between habaki and tsuba or tsuba and handle, if you do not need it, you don't need to use it.
@@SamuraiJames thanks 😄
You're welcome
I thought that they had only one mekugi?
Some have one, some have two
Cool
Nice tip with the blade immunity!
Thanks! Ancient secrets of the samurai.
Was the blade smith’s initials on the blade when you opened it up?
No signature on the tang that I recall, and I cleaned off the light rust. When I pop it apart again to fix the new tsuba rattle I'll let you know if there is one, but fairly sure there wasn't. I don't remember seeing a signature on any of my swords although I know they're all modern makes.
nice
I say cool
Thanks!