Samekawa: sting ray skin

Japanese swords used sheets or panels of tanned ray skin on the tsuka (hilt). These tanned skins are soaked until pliable, then applied to the tsuka core with rice glue and left to dry. Once dried, the same becomes very tough and sturdy.
Once silk is wrapped around this handle, the tsuka was a strong working piece. Ronin Swords offers a full wrap, or panels, of sting ray belly skin professionally applied to your tsuka. Prices include same and application in your choice of natural, gloss black, or flat black and antiqued.

*Tsuka up to 14"                      $100             $150

We also offer same panels, 1" wide, in natural, gloss black, or flat black, for $2.50/inch of tsuka length.