6 October 2026

Re-wrapping a tsuka

Samegawa repairs come first, because the wrap holds some of the skin in place. I use rice glue where it suits the job and keep the original shape of the handle. If the core is cracked or soft, the tsuka needs more than a new wrap.

New silk ito is folded in the traditional diamond pattern, keeping tension even from one end to the other. The first pass is slow and sets the spacing. The second pass locks the folds and brings the handle back to a firm feel.

After wrapping, I let the tsuka settle, then fit the menuki and kashira. It should feel solid in the hand without being swollen. A re-wrap is not a way to hide a bad core; it is a way to bring a sound core back into use.