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Smooth Fuchi & Kashira
Are you looking to breathe new life into your katana or do you need high-quality replacements for worn-out parts? This fuchi and kashira set, featuring an elegant and minimalist design, is exactly what your Japanese sword deserves. The clean, unadorned lines emphasize the functional beauty of the samurai weapon, allowing the craftsmanship of the sword itself to take centre stage. This set is engineered to provide your handle (tsuka) with solid structural integrity while granting it an authentic historical aesthetic. Further product information ...
Samurai Sword Fittings Set: Minimalist Smooth Fuchi & Kashira
The fittings are crafted from a durable metal alloy with a sleek black finish that contrasts beautifully with traditional tsuka-maki wrapping. The fuchi (the collar located behind the guard) and the kashira (the pommel cap) are vital components that hold the handle assembly together, protecting the wooden core from splitting during rigorous training or cutting practice (tameshigiri). Thanks to the smooth surface, these fittings won't bite into your palm, ensuring comfort during long practice sessions.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
While designed primarily as replacement parts for the John Lee sword series, these fittings can be adapted to fit other tsukas of similar dimensions with minor adjustments.
| Set Components | Fuchi (Collar), Kashira (Pommel Cap) |
| Material | Metal alloy with black finish |
| Kashira - Max Length | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Kashira - Max Width | 19 mm (0.75") |
| Fuchi - Max Length | 37 mm (1.46") |
| Fuchi - Max Width | 21 mm (0.83") |
| Compatibility | John Lee series and similar handles |
Historical Context and Purpose
In the history of Japanese swordsmithing, fittings (tosogu) were more than just decoration; they reflected the samurai's status and philosophy. While ornate designs featuring dragons or flora were popular during the peaceful Edo period, plain and smooth fittings were often the choice of the practical-minded warrior. It was believed that simplicity prevented distraction in the heat of battle. A fascinating historical detail is that the kashira (meaning "head") had to be secured extremely tightly with the ito (braid), as the pommel was occasionally used as a blunt-force striking tool in close-quarters combat.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
When installing these on a new handle, ensure the wooden core is precisely shaped to fit the dimensions. If the fit is slightly loose, you can use thin wood veneer or paper as a shim. Never use excessive force to drive the fittings onto the wood, as this may damage the finish or crack the tsuka core.
Care Instructions:
- Regularly wipe the fittings with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat and oils from your hands, which can lead to oxidation.
- Periodically apply a microscopic layer of Camellia oil (Choji) to maintain the protective black barrier.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that could strip the blackened surface.
To complete your restoration project, we recommend checking out our genuine ray skin (same-gawa) and high-quality silk or cotton handle wrap (ito).
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