Koiguchi

In this project I would like to highlight the making of koiguchi of the copper band type.  This style of koiguchi provides substantial strength to saya anad allows considerable flexability in the manufacture of koshirae around selected kodogu.

This photo shows the koiguchi of the saya prior to the fitting of koiguchi.  The opening is still in its rough form and has yet to be fitted with the tsuka and respective seppa.

A piece of copper is selected

One edge is filed flat

Shears are used to cut a band of copper from the stock

The band is flattened

Paper is used as "oshigata" for determining the lenght of the band

The lenghth is transferred to the band

The band is cut to lenght

Preliminary form is set

The edged is prepped and soldered

The seam is cleaned inside and out

The edge is then filed Flat in preperation for application to the saya

The saya is marked for stock removal

The depth is cut using kebiki

I like dozuki for inititial cuts but care must be excercised!

Nomi is now used for stock removal

The saya is ready for fitting

The band is gently adjusted with genno and contact with saya is adjusted by continous removal of stock

The ana is plugged and yasuri used to bring the band to an acceptable height and flatness.

Nice!

Yasuri is now used for bringing the band to an acceptable level for nuri

Even better!

Notice that this style of koiguchi allows a considerable amount of stock to remain on the saya while still being quite thick, making it the koiguchi of choice for practioners of martial arts