Journal
Notes from the bench
Re-wrapping a tsuka
The tsuka came in with loose ito and worn samegawa near the front. I removed the old wrap, noted the order of the folds, and checked the core for cracks. The core was sound, so the work was mostly patience.
Snakewood: oily and brittle
Snakewood has strong figure, but it does not behave like walnut or maple. It is dense, oily, and prone to small splits along the grain. I treat every piece as if it may move.
Whetstones on a budget
Most kitchen knives do not need a rack of stones. A single 1000 grit stone and a way to keep it flat will handle everyday sharpening. Add more only when you know why you need it.
A water-stained saya
A water-stained saya came in with a dark tide line along one side. The lacquer had lifted in a small area, and the wood underneath had swollen slightly. I did not try to bleach it out.