Japanese weapons have long gained popularity all over the world. The katana long sword even got into the Russian weapon state standards of melee weapons, where it was called a two-handed saber. A well-made katana looks monolithic, but in fact it can be disassembled. For example, it is recommended to disassemble it during transportation. It may also be necessary to replace the handle. In addition, it is not uncommon for collectors to see separate parts of this sword.
It is necessary
- - a small hammer;
- - brass tongue:
- - gloves.
Instructions
Step 1
The scabbard is an integral part of the katana. In Japan, they were most often made from stingray leather. Now this material is used mainly in expensive models, and for the rest, the scabbard is made of any leather, including artificial. A sheathed katana is usually placed in the obi belt. This fashion appeared in the 17th century and has survived to this day. Before removing the handle, remove the sword from its sheath.
Step 2
The tsuka (handle) of a good katana is attached with one or more pins - mekugi (in another transliteration - mekugi). The pins were usually made of bamboo and were not glued. Now mekugi are made from other materials, and in cheap models, the handle parts are often planted on glue. That is why when buying a katana, you need to ask the seller to disassemble it. Put on gloves before removing the handle. You can do with one - on the hand with which you will hold the blade.
Step 3
Place the katana on a horizontal surface. If you are not very sure that the pins will come out easily, you can gently fix the sword in a vise. But this is usually not done. Place the brass tongue with the tip against the pin. Gently hitting the head of the brass piece with a hammer, knock it out. Knock out the rest of the mekugi in the same way. Rarely is there more than three pins, usually one or two is sufficient. Set the mekugi aside or in a small box to avoid getting lost. It was customary to make tsuku from magnolia wood. Nowadays, various plastics are often used.
Step 4
With your gloved hand, grab the sword by the blade next to the guard. Pull the handle firmly. It should be removed from the shank, called nakago, with some effort. Remove the futi clutch between the handle and the guard.
Step 5
The next part that needs to be removed from the knife is seppa, a kind of washer that makes the connection more durable and does not allow the handle to split. The exact same seppa is on the other side of the guard.
Step 6
Remove the guard called tsuba by the katana. After that, it remains to remove one more washer and another clutch, which is called habaki. Sometimes you can disassemble the handle by removing some decorative elements from it. But with modern working swords, these decorations are usually not removed.
