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The above parts (far left) is # 32 Kurikata and is available in two sizes. It is preferred by those who 'use' swords because it allows the modern larger Sageo to slide through more easily and does not require Shitodome.
The Kojiri (top and side view) will need its
outer dimensions be shaped (reduced) to fit the Saya.
To the right, is the
Tsunagaeshi, aka 'the Saya hook' that was attached to the side of the Saya and
designed to catch the lower edge of a sword wearer's Obi.
Lastly, the Koiguchi which requires that the center hole be enlarged to accommodate the Habaki and reduced so as to properly fit the outside dimensions of the Saya.
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Above, the 'BEFORE and AFTER' images of raw Buffalo horn.
As a result of its beauty and long lasting, Water Buffalo horn (above) has been used by Japanese craftsman for hundreds of years and selected as the ideal material to produce Kurikata, Koiguchi, Kojiri and other parts commonly found on Japanese swords. While our horn parts start out looking like the above, they are hand crafted by skilled workers and are copies of original antique horn parts collected by Fred over the years.
Fred's horn parts are popular and have been used by Japans professional sword restorers for years. Although they have the skill to produce the parts themselves, restorers admit that they cannot compete with the price and quality of Fred's parts.
Because sword restoration requires professional training and experience, your swords would be best served if you allow only qualified personal to make any attempt at restoration.
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Koiguchi and Kojiri (# 28 & # 29) are produced 'oversize' to allow custom fitting to the dimensions of your Saya. The Koiguchi (# 28) is also made with the center hole left smaller to allow for a custom fit. With few exceptions, all other parts are ready for installation. Displayed below are a number of different styles and sizes that are the most commonly used on Japanese swords. They are available from us at 'factory direct pricing'. The Fred Lohman Company is the only manufacturer of well made horn parts.
The 'hook' part # 3 (aka: Tsunakuchi, Kaishizuno, Soritsuna and others) is available in three sizes and was designed to catch the bottom edge of the wearers Obi in an effort to secure the Saya to the wearer and prevent it from being pulled out with the blade during an emergency.
Measurements given of the below parts are those of the 'foot print' of the part.
Both horn Kurikata part #'s 24 (sized for Tanto) and part # 32 were produced with a larger and nicely polished hole so as to allow easy passage of today's larger Sageo. Further, # 32 eliminates the need of employing Shitodome which are the primary cause of Sageo fraying & snagging. Horn Kurikata # 32 (most popular for modern swords) is available in both a medium and a large size.
Repairing old Saya
If your interest is in filling the hole where an old Kurikata once was (with a new Kurikata), it is highly recommended that you order a slightly larger Kurikata that can easily be 'reduced' in size to fit the hole. . . as opposed to widening the 'hole' in the Saya to accommodate a larger Kurikata.
Names: Numbers 1 & 2 are blocks of solid horn for those who plan to make their own parts, Number 3 is the 'hook' (3 sizes available), Numbers 5, 8, 21, 22, 24 and 32 are Kurikata. Numbers 18 & 25 are Kashira. Number 28 is the Koiguchi and 29 is the Kojiri.
Call for details: 503-282-4567
-or- write to:
