The Personal Samurai Sword
The historic samurai sword was a deeply personal possession often passed down from generation to generation over long periods of time. No two swords were exactly alike. A lifetime of training with this highly personal item produced a unique bond between the samurai and his principal tool of training.
Our assumption is that most practitioners are seeking a sword that is as deeply meaningful to them as it was to the samurai of antiquity, a sword that is pleasing to use and to appreciate for a lifetime.
At Zanshin Ironworks we seek to provide the options necessary to create your own personal samurai sword with authentic reproduction parts reflecting historic themes that will have personal meaning and provide inspiration for your practice.
Koshirae – Tsuba, Menuki, Fuchi and Kashira
The word koshirae refers to the entire set of mountings fitted to a sword blade A standard set is composed of the kashira (tsuka cap) the fuchi (handle ring where the handle meets the swords guard) and the menuki (handle decorations). Finally the tsuba or sword guard provides protection for the hand and is the most conspicuous artistic canvas on the sword.
At Zanshin we use only the finest pieces that are individually cast by Fred Lohman Company in the US or by Namikawa in Japan.
Our tsuba, fuchi and kashira are faithful direct reproductions of museum-quality originals taken from private collection. Each piece is hand made using high quality steel, the traditional metal of choice.
Except where stated all menuki are made of solid silver and are either gold plated, blackened or lightly highlighted to bring out the fine details of the original antique. The gold plating on the menuki is a heavy layer of electronically applied pure 24K gold.
Please browse our line of pre-matched themes or select from the individually offered parts to create the mix that is most meaningful to you. Add this selection to your choice of steel, tsuka color and material, saya color and tsuka wrap style, to create your own personally unique sword.
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