Deconstructing the Shinai

[Kichigai]

Hey,
My shinai's got a huge crack in it from my last keiko, and while I've got enough from my last few to construct a new one, I'm not sure about how to deconstruct a shinai properly. Can anyone help me with this?

[Paikea]

See http://www.kendo-usa.org/reference/firststrike.htm

[joekc6nlx]

I untie the tsura at the tsuka, then the nakayui, and then I can slip the sakigomu off because the tension on the tsuru is released. I then pull the tsuka off, which may be quite difficult, but if you can get it started, it usually slides off fairly well. Number the staves if you're going to take them completely apart and then don't lose the little metal square that holds the staves in place.

Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly, tying the tsura to the tsuka and tucking it in.