The Japanese Shirasaya Blade

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The Shirasaya is known as a Japanese blade mount that features a saya and tsuka; it is basically a wood holder for a blade that is not being used and will be stored for a long period. The wood sheath usually appeared without any decoration.


When the Shirasaya is Utilized The Shirasaya mounting was usually utilized when the blade will not be used for a certain period and need to be stored in a safe place. A special storage for the blade is needed since keeping the blade in the koshirae for some time can harm the blade.


The Very First Creation of the Shirasaya Experts claim that the Shirasaya was first crafted in the years 1603 to 1868 AD during the Edo era. It was most likely true since this period was when laws that restricted carrying deadly weapons were first enforced.


Features of the Shirasaya The Shirasaya is classically made from the nurizaya wood, but can be made from many type of wood and it has an ordinary look, save for the mekugi ana that is necessary for securing the nakago; Some Shirasaya are plain wood, while some have buffalo horn ends.


Details on Antique Shirasaya Vital information of the blade pedigree like the owner’s name, acknowledgment of a specific smith, or even how the sword was acquired are usually recorded on the shirasaya.


The Shirasaya Wood and Patina The wood used and patina, can give clues to the shirasya’s date of manufacture; it could also possibly tell the identity of the individual who designed it.


The Shirasaya - Not for Battle These mountings are not made for actual battles since there was a lack of a tsuba and proper wrap for the tsuka. Without these, a warrior should not take the Shirasaya to the battlefield.


Meaning of the Shirasaya The term shirasaya basically means white scabbard.


Not Just White Although the Shirasaya literally means white scabbard, it does not really refer to the scabbard’s color; it instead refers to the clean and simple design that it features and these may come in different colors: black, white, brown, etc.


Shirasaya VS The Shikomizue The shikomizue is a specific type of mounting where the sword’s blade is set in a cane-like tsue (mounting) to conceal it. The shirasaya, on the other hand, is a plain wooden mounting without decor except for short descriptions at times.


Why the Shirasaya is not for Battle Since the Shirasaya does not have a tsuba or a durable wrap for its tsuka like other weapons, it is not practical to be utilized during battles. This is because the wielder’s hand is not fully protected.


Types of Wood Used for the Shirasaya The Shirasaya is crafted from various kinds of wood: generally, it is made from Honoki - Japanese Magnolia. Yet today, Many available Shirasaya swords are crafted from Bamboo wood, Rosewood, Ebony wood, Redwood and Maple wood.


The Shirasaya for Any Blade Since the shirasaya is a scabbard, it only means that it is capable of housing any kind of blade. It is crafted adequately to fit perfectly into the sheath for proper care and protection.


The Shirasaya in Pop Culture Lots of films and tv shows focus less on the Shirasaya and more on the Katana, yet Zatoichi made one of the most impressive show which created a lot of interested people, the Shirasaya was also featured in the film Lady Snowblood as well as in the Anime D.Gray Man and Naruto.


The Shirasaya to Protect the Blade Since the Shirasaya is made to perfectly fit blades, it is also made to protect and prevent air and other elements from having contact with the blade.


Shirasaya for Specialized Storage Specialized storage is necessary for a blade’s protection since prolonged storage in the koshirae can harm the blade due to various factors such as lacquered wood that actually retains moisture, thus, causes corrosion.


The Modern Day Shirasaya Today, there are numerous types of modern reproductions of the shirasaya online and these are sold for display or with full capabilities. With the simple yet deadly beauty of the Shirasaya, more decorative and unique designs are present compared to the traditional shirasaya.


Shirasaya for Collectors In this age, the shirasaya is also for the sword collectors who plan on having their sword’s sheath personalized based on their style and preference.


Other Uses of the Shirasaya Aside from being a collector's piece, the Shirasaya can also be a great Japanese piece to decorate your home with.


Designs of the Modern Shirasaya Today, a lot of the shirasaya designs has style that date all the way back to the earlier Japanese times.


Shirasaya for Sale If you are looking for a Shirasaya from quality materials with real cutting edge and full customization options. visit our site at: Katanasforsale.com


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