How to make a new Chigiri groove?

[Dervish]

I'm not the most mechanically inclined person, but I've been trying to teach myself proper shinai maintenance and re-using slats when safe and reasonable.

Usually I ask my sempai questions every step of the way, but lately I've been busy and unable to have the same quality time I'm used to.

I found 4 slats that seem very well-suited to each other, the only problem is, one of the slats doesn't have the chigiri groove in the same spot as the others. Everything else seems to be fine, the "notches" align very well. How do I make a new Chigiri groove on the shinai slat? What is the best tool I can use?

I promise to show the finished product to a sempai before I use it. :D

[DCPan]

I have a small hacksaw.

[R Stroud]

Use a hacksaw blade. It is an easy way to quickly put a slot in the bamboo, and the saw blade is easy to find. Be sure to buy a fine tooth blade. The only negative is that it is a bit too wide but you will find it works just fine for this task. If you want to explore minor wood working there are other small saws available at hobby shops or hardware stores that will do a nicer (tighter fit) job.

[Ariel]

I use my trusty old small hacksaw (that has exactly the size I need).

When I can't found it, I use a scalpel (which is a great tool to have around for shinai repairs).

If none of them is around, any table knife that has a saw-like pattern on the blade would do ...

[rfoxmich]

Two words: Xacto saw.

[Dervish]

Thanks very much, everyone!

[Gilligan]

Have the first 3 slats in place then line the fourth one up (get the length right)
give it a couple of light taps with a hammer (hard rubber mallet), enough to make a visible line,
but not damage the bamboo then use a fine saw as stated above.

often the chigiri is (unintentionaly) put in at angle.
this way you will get that right too.

[Cailin Coilleac]

Jigsaw is what I use.

[mbabula]

Hey this Michael babula... I am new here and searching for the knowledge..