Hello Everybody <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
I am trying to locate a source for "Tsuka-Ito" handle wrap. I am looking for both silk, cotton, and suede. Does anyone know of a good source for these?
Thanks,
Ed C.
Give this a look. japanese-swords.com
Scott
Ed, that is one source. Fred Lohman company is the business. He has some good quality stuff, but he is pricey and can be hard to get a hold of. A google search turns a number of places. The main thing to look for is no stretch and heavy braid. It is not cheap, but it looks right.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Thanks, Brion.
Any thoughts on rawhide rayskin?
Ed,
A very complete source for all sorts of materials for Japanese style work is :[url= http://www.namikawa-ltd.co.jp/english/ ]www.namikawa-ltd.co.jp/english/[/url]
Mr. Namikawa replied in almost real time to my inquires about Tsuka-Ito, one time going to the warehouse and taking a photo of a particular color for me.
They took payment via Paypal, and the silk tsukaito and Sageo arrived within 48 hours of ordering. Japan to New York to Florida via Japan air mail!
John
John,
That's a great link...thanks!
Ed C.
John, thanks. I am going to have to hotlist that one.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
By the way, during my search, I found Sting Ray Products. Has anyone ever dealt with them and if so, how are they? They have 12" x 25" rawhide stingray for $85, and many other handle materials & skins as well.
Ed,
I've never dealt with them for supplies. I got my old stingray wallet, I just replaced after 14 years, from them. It took a beating and storing an ignition key inside it finally did it in.
Mike
Ed,
I have visited their shop on several of my North Carolina trips. I have purchase several nice pieces of handle material from them. Their prices are middle of the road and the quality has been very good. They have a good variety of Sambar Stag. Attached is part of my last purchase in June. I've seen their stingray and it looks good. I have a single piece of black tanned from them that am saving for a special project. It is a bit thicker than the stuff Tandy puts on sale from time to time.
Regards,
George
Thanks guys!
George, nice looking stuff, there <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//cool.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' />
