New Sageo

[Gyakuto]

I decided to change the black sageo cord on my sword, Yūreikiri (ghost cutter) to something a little more colourful.

The dealer-tied knot was so tightly done, it took me 15 minutes to undo it; such skill!

 

[Gyakuto]

I threaded the cord through the kurigata loop on the saya (scabbard) and began the tying pattern…

I can’t get it as tight as the original; I can’t workout which bits to pull, but it looks fairly nice and even. I might add another loop to each end.

 

[Gyakuto]

 

[isshinryuronin]

The sageo I think is a great example of "traditional" (as much discussed in another current thread). In most schools of iai its practical purpose(s) have been lost (not to memory but in use) but still retained for historical/spiritual representations.

In my iai dojo its presence was optional. Some had it wrapped on their saya and fewer actually used it. I didn't have one on mine, but if I had stayed with the art for a few more years, maybe I'd have gotten one just for tradition.

 

[Gyakuto]

The sageo I think is a great example of "traditional" (as much discussed in another current thread). In most schools of iai its practical purpose(s) have been lost (not to memory but in use) but still retained for historical/spiritual representations.

In my iai dojo its presence was optional. Some had it wrapped on their saya and fewer actually used it. I didn't have one on mine, but if I had stayed with the art for a few more years, maybe I'd have gotten one just for tradition.

When I first started Iai in the 80s, we didn’t use sageo in the U.K. following the ZNKR mandate. Then I had a long break for university and when I returned we had to use a sageo and what a pain it was to handle and manipulate in a dignified manner (sageo sabaki). I occasionally see people dropping them or having uneven lengths in gradings and fail as a consequence.

 

[Haruhiko]

I decided to change the black sageo cord on my sword, Yūreikiri (ghost cutter) to something a little more colourful.
View attachment 32450
View attachment 32451
The dealer-tied knot was so tightly done, it took me 15 minutes to undo it; such skill!

Beautiful colour!

I named my first iai bokuto "Atago-san", which my sensei found amusing.

I also named my two Niten bokuto "Takanishi" and "Haruhiko"... but alas, "In all things have no preferences."

 

[Gyakuto]

Beautiful colour!

I named my first iai bokuto "Atago-san", which my sensei found amusing.

After the fire protecting kami?

My custom made sword, with the rare ayasugi hada, is called ‘Subayai Kitsune’ (swift fox) since I adore foxes and there’s a certain folklore associated with them in Japan.

I also named my two Niten bokuto "Takanishi" and "Haruhiko"... but alas, "In all things have no pref

I know someone who makes the most beautiful and wonderfully balanced Niten bokutō . He’s a cantankerous, 92 years old and still teaches Iai, kneeling and all!