A Japanese katana has two sides, the side of the handle to the outside, away from the body, is the Omote side and the Ura side is the opposite.
he wrapping of the Ito is called Tsuka Maki (Tsuka = Handle, Maki = Wrapping). This aspect of the Japanese sword is in by talented and dedicated craftsmen turned into a true form of art.
Advice how to choose between an stainless steel or zinc/aluminium Iaito.
The origins of forging and the extent to which katanas were forged in the past is important to explore in more detail.
Advice on the correct length of your Iaito to perform correct techniques.
A Japanese Sakura Iaito review of the Murayama forge where the balance, Ryugo Tsuka, Tenouchi, Ito, Tachikaze, Mekugi, Habaki and Saya fit will be investigated.
