Hearing a craftsman speak so candidly about their trade is always interesting. It's a amazing how many different skills went into crafting and maintaining a katana. Thank you for this video.
I appreciate his humility. He notes how everyone is fascinated by the smiths that forge the blades, but how nobody seems to care about those who wrap the tsuka; This is insane to me! It's the part that is integral to actually using the finished sword; Imagine trying to drive a car without a steering wheel, pedals or gear shift. Without his work, the sword would essentially be useless.
@@Q2Japan I have personally been interested in the bladesmithing portion of the katana for a long time, but I have not until now taken any considerable thought on the handle of it, unfortunately.
Completely agree, especially because that's the part of the sword that your body makes contact with. I mean, you can touch any part of the sword, but the tsuka is the point of contact between the katana and your brain. Seems pretty critical! I have a bokken that I decided to start wrapping just to learn how it's done, and I realize there's a lot more to it than I thought!
The difference is that most anyone can make a functional handle for a Japanese or Japanese-style sword, but not just anyone can make a proper functional sword blade. All you need to make a functional handle is some wood, a saw, a chisel, sandpaper, wood glue, a drill, and one or two little bamboo pegs. That's enough to make a basic wooden handle. The reason there isn't much demand for this guy's work is because the vast majority of "Japanese swords" out there are made in China. They cost a couple/few hundred dollars for functional/forged ones, already come with a handle, albeit a cheap one using fake ray skin, cotton or nylon wrap instead of silk, and die-cast pot metal fuchi, kashira, and menuki, but they work. Commissioning this guy to make a traditional, high-end handle for such a sword would probably cost more than the whole sword did to begin with. Probably most of his work comes from Japanese swordsmiths who farm out the handle-making part to him (the same way that they farm out the final polishing/sharpening of the blade to specialists). The problem with that is that there aren't many Japanese swordsmiths left, combined with this laughable bit of absurdity, courtesy of the Japanese government: "However, in order to maintain the quality of Japanese swords, the Japanese government limits the number of Japanese swords a swordsmith can make in a year to 24 (up to 2 swords per month)."
I feel like these handle makers are the same level of highly skilled and dedicated craftsmen as the swordsmiths themselves. So are the polishers. It's mind-boggling how many people are involved to craft a real Japanese katana.
Twenty? TWENTY?!? I can't believe there are only 20 Tsuka makers in Japan. I'm know some of the commercial houses have their own, I assume on top of that 20. But only 20 to make or re-wrap tsuka for existing swords-- wow! Thanks for this video! It gave me a lot of insight into what it's like for him, and why prices can seem so high. I love this content!
I don't believe Japan has any commercial sword companies. There's strict rules on how many swords a maker can produce per year. Most sword production is in Longquan, China. I have yet to see a Chinese tsuka that is even close to a real Japanese one.
@@theR0NIN Yes, I believe all the gendai blades that come out of Japan are made by only 300 government approved smiths. Tamahagane steel is heavily regulated from export. If you were lucky enough, it would take up to half a year for the sword to be produced and upwards of $10k.
Wow! He folds the hishigame and tucks it under the ito as he wraps. Impressive. Now I know why traditionally wrapped tsuka's are so much nicer than any others. I've always had trouble getting that plump hishigame to shape the ito as it wraps around. I will try that - wish there was video showing more detail. I must say I admire his work and understand why he was drawn to it.
That's such an interesting interview to hear of someone frustrated with typical company work and trying something completely new (after training for 5 years of course) amazed to hear how painful it is yet he still powers through. Thanks for documenting this! Look forward to talking about this today at 9am for our #seekingsustainabilitylive chat
Respectable artisan in a respectable craft. Its always sad if being such a rare specialist is not that much of a solid career choice anymore, but its also a reason to be proud if you are one of the few who is still able to keep such a craft alive. Maybe not any craft is profitable, but many of them still deserve to not be forgotten.
Interesting guy! I used to work as a clown and some days I'd be doing hundreds of balloon animals and having bloody fingers at the end so I can't imagine the intensity of his pain given that he's using much less forgiving materials at a higher tension. I came here from your appearance on JJ Walsh's podcast. I'm also into creating videos on Japanese artisans, so I appreciated this video on that level too. Nice work! Subbed.
My god that sounds painful OnO But yeah his hands were quite puffy looking. Impressive what people do for their careers! Thanks for tuning in and writing the kind comment.
Bonjour , comment s'appelle le petit meuble de fabrication dans la video et ou peut on se procurer l houtillage comme la pince que l on vois dans la video . Merci Hello, what is the name of the small manufacturing unit in the video and where can we get the tools like the pliers that we see in the video. THANKS
How long will a handle last in combat/years. And with the inserts of paper, can it be cleaned for blood and gore? I bet cleaning the Katana was also a craft back then.
They were replaced quite often I think, due to wear and tear. Samurai who could afford it would change the wrapping every year around New Year's I believe.
swordsmith of katana is pretty rad, but the handle has been a completely mystery for me, If I could I will be trying to be apprentice to eventually be the number 21 handle maker right now :(
Oh! I don't make them! I'm just a content creator :) but thank you for trying to reach out to them. I'll try to find out how to contact the artisans. Cheers!
Thats the struggle, a few of my friends make quality reproduction civil war clothing and equipment and they all have other jobs to earn a living. Its really a work of passion.
..any Katana Maker around the World can make and wrap a Tsuka...but only a Japanese Tsuka maker will complete the Katana's Spirit.. Just my observations when holding a real Japanese sword in comparison with those made outside Japan..
Il viaggio lo già fatto anche alla grande avanti e in dietro tante volte più di quello che pensate c è padre Pio che pinge nn è contento di quella situazione altro che stigmatizza li stanno venendo io le sto già vedendo delle cose lo imparerete presto
why is he just jamming paper under the ito lol its supposed to be small folded triangles of paper...and hes been doing it for 11 years and doesnt even know why? yikes
I like how honest he was about his work. There are good times but there are also struggles as a craftsman.
Yeah i was afraid it'd be a bit too melancholy, but figured it's his story and worth sharing :)
He’s no longer in business it seems. Shame.
@@samlevi4744 Oh no, really? D: How did you find out?
Hearing a craftsman speak so candidly about their trade is always interesting. It's a amazing how many different skills went into crafting and maintaining a katana. Thank you for this video.
I appreciate his humility. He notes how everyone is fascinated by the smiths that forge the blades, but how nobody seems to care about those who wrap the tsuka; This is insane to me! It's the part that is integral to actually using the finished sword; Imagine trying to drive a car without a steering wheel, pedals or gear shift. Without his work, the sword would essentially be useless.
It's true, many parts of the katana are underappreciated. Hopefully more people find interest in it thanks to the internet :)
@@Q2Japan I have personally been interested in the bladesmithing portion of the katana for a long time, but I have not until now taken any considerable thought on the handle of it, unfortunately.
@@clayforge4696 i think that's a common occurrence for sword enthusiasts! :)
Completely agree, especially because that's the part of the sword that your body makes contact with. I mean, you can touch any part of the sword, but the tsuka is the point of contact between the katana and your brain. Seems pretty critical! I have a bokken that I decided to start wrapping just to learn how it's done, and I realize there's a lot more to it than I thought!
The difference is that most anyone can make a functional handle for a Japanese or Japanese-style sword, but not just anyone can make a proper functional sword blade. All you need to make a functional handle is some wood, a saw, a chisel, sandpaper, wood glue, a drill, and one or two little bamboo pegs. That's enough to make a basic wooden handle.
The reason there isn't much demand for this guy's work is because the vast majority of "Japanese swords" out there are made in China. They cost a couple/few hundred dollars for functional/forged ones, already come with a handle, albeit a cheap one using fake ray skin, cotton or nylon wrap instead of silk, and die-cast pot metal fuchi, kashira, and menuki, but they work. Commissioning this guy to make a traditional, high-end handle for such a sword would probably cost more than the whole sword did to begin with.
Probably most of his work comes from Japanese swordsmiths who farm out the handle-making part to him (the same way that they farm out the final polishing/sharpening of the blade to specialists). The problem with that is that there aren't many Japanese swordsmiths left, combined with this laughable bit of absurdity, courtesy of the Japanese government:
"However, in order to maintain the quality of Japanese swords, the Japanese government limits the number of Japanese swords a swordsmith can make in a year to 24 (up to 2 swords per month)."
It must be an honor for him to be one of the 20 katana handle makers in Japan
It must be kinda lonely too ^n^
It is an honour to be able to watch someone as skilled as you 🙏
thank you!
I'm starting to do this as a hobby on the weekends. The old traditions are still alive
That's great! In one way or another traditions survive eh?
I feel like these handle makers are the same level of highly skilled and dedicated craftsmen as the swordsmiths themselves. So are the polishers. It's mind-boggling how many people are involved to craft a real Japanese katana.
Yeah it's a lot of specialized skills that unfortunately isn't economically viable in this day and age. But I really respect their dedication!
Epic, absolutely epic. This is big pp worthy man this is so cool
This man is doing God's work. Please share your knowledge in creating the literature for future generations. What is known needs to be preserved.
Hopefully more people will join in!
Twenty? TWENTY?!? I can't believe there are only 20 Tsuka makers in Japan. I'm know some of the commercial houses have their own, I assume on top of that 20. But only 20 to make or re-wrap tsuka for existing swords-- wow!
Thanks for this video! It gave me a lot of insight into what it's like for him, and why prices can seem so high.
I love this content!
Thanks as always for tuning in! I was surprised too. I imagine the number will continue to decline...
I believe a lot of owners do their own wrapping.
I don't believe Japan has any commercial sword companies. There's strict rules on how many swords a maker can produce per year. Most sword production is in Longquan, China. I have yet to see a Chinese tsuka that is even close to a real Japanese one.
@@nickrohfeld4283 So you're saying I can't order a katana from a Japanese company, who will make it in-house in, say, Kyoto? o_0
@@theR0NIN Yes, I believe all the gendai blades that come out of Japan are made by only 300 government approved smiths. Tamahagane steel is heavily regulated from export. If you were lucky enough, it would take up to half a year for the sword to be produced and upwards of $10k.
This channel has a criminally low amount of subs for the awesome stuff you're putting out there! Keep it up!
haha appreciate it man! I just gotta keep grinding :) cheers man
@@Q2Japan - Hell yeah man! Gotta flex the #HustleMuscle!
TheAndySan I agree!! :)
Excellent look into the like of a traditional craftsman, thank you.
thanks for watching ! :)
Wow! He folds the hishigame and tucks it under the ito as he wraps. Impressive. Now I know why traditionally wrapped tsuka's are so much nicer than any others. I've always had trouble getting that plump hishigame to shape the ito as it wraps around. I will try that - wish there was video showing more detail. I must say I admire his work and understand why he was drawn to it.
Interesting! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
That's such an interesting interview to hear of someone frustrated with typical company work and trying something completely new (after training for 5 years of course) amazed to hear how painful it is yet he still powers through. Thanks for documenting this! Look forward to talking about this today at 9am for our #seekingsustainabilitylive chat
OMG our chat was 2 years ago?!
Your ancestor is proud of you.
I hope you guys make a video on how to make hilts bcs I really love the novelty of sword hilts, their so beautiful and interesting
Glad you enjoy them so much! Maybe a future project!
@@Q2Japan can't wait
Respectable artisan in a respectable craft.
Its always sad if being such a rare specialist is not that much of a solid career choice anymore, but its also a reason to be proud if you are one of the few who is still able to keep such a craft alive. Maybe not any craft is profitable, but many of them still deserve to not be forgotten.
True true. May not be practical but it is an art :)
Very interesting! It’s a beautiful art!
Thanks for watching! I know he appreciates your comment :)
i appreciate it a lot
appreciate the support! thanks for tuning in :)
Great video!
Oof, who dis? >:D
@@Q2Japan your worst nightmare
@@sophiedillard3394 oh NO! adulthood and responsibility?!
@@Q2JapanNo! Kaki and イノシシ！
@@sophiedillard3394 i wasn't wrong! XD
A hard life for great artisan work. Really nice portrait, but where’s your usual intro?
Hey Michael! Putting the intro on hold for a while. Trying new things! Thanks for noticing
Q2 Japan always love your intros whenever you decide to bring them back.
@@KokoroInt thanks man! they will return (one day)
Interesting guy! I used to work as a clown and some days I'd be doing hundreds of balloon animals and having bloody fingers at the end so I can't imagine the intensity of his pain given that he's using much less forgiving materials at a higher tension. I came here from your appearance on JJ Walsh's podcast. I'm also into creating videos on Japanese artisans, so I appreciated this video on that level too. Nice work! Subbed.
My god that sounds painful OnO But yeah his hands were quite puffy looking. Impressive what people do for their careers!
Thanks for tuning in and writing the kind comment.
@@Q2Japan looking forward to working my way through your other videos! Thanks!
@@bigkamo cheers!
Amazining.Appreciate very much. Does he have a webshop?
Yes! I believe the link is in the description. But it's an old style site so it might be difficult to navigate. Cheers!
درود وادب بر شرافت سامورایی واستاد گرامی ❤❤
Bonjour , comment s'appelle le petit meuble de fabrication dans la video et ou peut on se procurer l houtillage comme la pince que l on vois dans la video . Merci
Hello, what is the name of the small manufacturing unit in the video and where can we get the tools like the pliers that we see in the video. THANKS
Hello! Sorry I don't know the specific tools but I can try asking!
@@Q2Japan ok Thank you , ok merci
very interesting...only thing I miss is how long does it takes to make one full handle?:
Thanks for watching! He didn't say, but I can ask :)
Good morning
Apart from moving to Japan
Is there a illustration I can find on how to wrap?
Hi there! Not sure! But I would imagine there are instructions out there somewhere on the net. Good luck!
How long will a handle last in combat/years. And with the inserts of paper, can it be cleaned for blood and gore? I bet cleaning the Katana was also a craft back then.
They were replaced quite often I think, due to wear and tear. Samurai who could afford it would change the wrapping every year around New Year's I believe.
Maybe he can write a book? He said there isn't much literature so why not make a book showing how to do it? I think it would sell well among makers
That's a good idea! Not sure if he feels qualified for it (humility and all). But worth a try!
swordsmith of katana is pretty rad, but the handle has been a completely mystery for me, If I could I will be trying to be apprentice to eventually be the number 21 handle maker right now :(
Hey thanks for watching! It's a tough trade for sure. Maybe one day you can try in Okayama!
@@Q2Japan first I have to get to japan to try it, if not I will be trying being a rakugoka
@@cnervip sweet!
How do I get ahold of you for a quote? Your website link does not work.
Thank you.
Oh! I don't make them! I'm just a content creator :) but thank you for trying to reach out to them. I'll try to find out how to contact the artisans. Cheers!
What if I want to become 21th katana handle maker
Nothing stoppin ya! :)
Where do you get rayskin from?
Not sure! But he has his own providers :)
Do you sell these
Ok but is that a denim kimono?
Why is the rays skin not fully wrapped...
Might be what the customer requested! :)
The more I watch this series, more I realize why Japanese aren't considering a katana as a weapon, but an art.
Yeah i think Anime and movies have made Katana seem more battle centric but as you say it's more art than weapon :)
it probally feels so confortable for the palms
It was! Though I didn't swing a sword lol
How much does he charge on average?
Not sure! But i believe the head artisan of the Setouchi museum is in charge of delegating people.
hey man can you make shadow Warrior 3's Katana ????
Haha I'm sure with enough time and money they can
I saw this via Matt Easton. Ganbatte! You're doing beautiful work and I'm sure your customers appreciate it :)
Oh! I'm not sure who that is but thanks for tuning in!
@@Q2Japan His youtube channel is ScholaGladiatoria :)
@@darraghchapman cool I'll check it out! Cheers
Can I contact this man I have a handle I want to make
You can try! I think you can contact him through the link in the description
Old world Craftsman are an endangered species everywhere.
We'll see how many can pass on their skills. Thanks for tuning in!
Thats the struggle, a few of my friends make quality reproduction civil war clothing and equipment and they all have other jobs to earn a living. Its really a work of passion.
Yeah it's tough to find a customer base for artisan work. But amazing to witness.
Your videos are so top notch yet so little subs. You need to get advertised by someone or something lol.
Thanks for the kind words! But really I gotta earn it like everyone else :) Gotta keep working.
i want him to make me a handle really badly
Listen, you should make a light camp knife that people can baton with and sell it to Americans! They'll love it!
Someone get this man a chair omg
Dammit it so sad to see such art would gone with time
It's almost inevitable, but some people can slow down the loss :)
I've heard people fall apart in their 40's. Part of that is painful.
..any Katana Maker around the World can make and wrap a Tsuka...but only a Japanese Tsuka maker will complete the Katana's Spirit..
Just my observations when holding a real Japanese sword in comparison with those made outside Japan..
SIT IN A CHAIR AND STRETCH YOUR HANDS IN HOT WATER!
Il viaggio lo già fatto anche alla grande avanti e in dietro tante volte più di quello che pensate c è padre Pio che pinge nn è contento di quella situazione altro che stigmatizza li stanno venendo io le sto già vedendo delle cose lo imparerete presto
That dude needs to give more of a fuck about his RSIs because that stuff is only ever going to get worse.
he's wear'n a drip dress
\
why is he just jamming paper under the ito lol its supposed to be small folded triangles of paper...and hes been doing it for 11 years and doesnt even know why? yikes
That handle looks pretty fragile and non practical
Great video!
Cheers! Sorry for the super late reply!