problem with tsuka

[jezah81]

Hi Guys,
i was wandering if any of you can help me with a problem.
I have as some of you would know, a steel iaito from swordstore.com. Ive had it since April this year and i have cut a few times with it and have done a fair bit of kata with it. The problem is that i think there might be some gata in the tsuka. Theres a creaking noise that comes from about 2 inches at the bottom of the tsuka and it sounds like a creaking door hinge. Have any of you had this problem before? Also, i would like to mention that the tsuka is fitted with cardboard shims to ensure a tight fit. Could it have to do with that? I have checked all the fittings to make sure if everything is tight. Everything is OK except for that creaking sound.
PLease help,
Kind regards,
Jeremy hagop

[roar]

Hi Guys,
i was wandering if any of you can help me with a problem.
I have as some of you would know, a steel iaito from swordstore.com. Ive had it since April this year and i have cut a few times with it and have done a fair bit of kata with it. The problem is that i think there might be some gata in the tsuka. Theres a creaking noise that comes from about 2 inches at the bottom of the tsuka and it sounds like a creaking door hinge. Have any of you had this problem before? Also, i would like to mention that the tsuka is fitted with cardboard shims to ensure a tight fit. Could it have to do with that? I have checked all the fittings to make sure if everything is tight. Everything is OK except for that creaking sound.
PLease help,
Kind regards,
Jeremy hagop

Clingfilm is excellent if the tang moves around in the tsuka, and does not creak.

[chidokan]

sounds like the tsuka has broken inside.... best to take it apart and look inside for cracks in the wood by removing the tsukagashira. If its broke its a new tsuka... :cry:
As most iaito are mass produced, including the tsuka, it is unlikely that it was properly packed and has moved around as you have used it. I have seen these broken before like this so its not unusual... To correctly pack use a piece of bamboo in the tsuka until the blade will no longer move, (this is without the menuki fitted). Use brass shim for packing the tsuba to prevent movement here. If the hole in the tsuka centre is too big you can either pop it with a centre punch to locate it tighter or add some brazing to close the hole down.

Tim Hamilton