Kote repair tips

[Fraz]

Hi all,

Whilst cleaning out an old cupboard I found an old pair of my sensei's Kote. I'm currently in the process of repairing a slight tear to the thumb with an old tsuka gawa.

They're generally in not bad condition but they need re-palmed.

What would be the best type of leather to do this with...?
Or could I get away with a heavy duty chamois..?

Cheers,

Fraz

[aru-ma]

Get kangaroo skin if you can, they feel great and have a good grip on it, or you can go with your regular deer skin maybe even synthetic.

[Fraz]

I think maybe Kangaroo skin might be a bit tricky (not to mention expensive) to find in Scotland.... I'll have a look though..:)

[Hai_hai]

Deerskin is what manufacturer's use.

[ben]

First of all, There's no way to say this nicely: Hai Hai - get a life!

Secondly to you Fraz, deerskin is definitely better than cowskin. Some bogu companies will sell you deerskin kote tenouchi (palm) already cut and ready to go (Koei Budogu is one). Otherwise you can use the old palm as a template with whatever's available. (Never tried kangaroo-skin, must have a go next time).

When stitching the new palm in place, use a few light stiches to tack the palm in place first before you start the job proper, e.g. one at the base of the thumb, one at the heel of the palm, one at the top of the fingers and one in the "v" between finger and thumb. This will help keep the palm aligned as you go around.

Don't worry if you don't get it the first time. If you keep trying you'll work it out. It seemed an impossible task when I first tackled it. But it's very satisfying when it's done. Best of luck!

b

[Hai_hai]

ben,
Domo arigato gozaimasu.

[Fraz]

Cheers Ben,

I'll see If I can pick up a set at the Worlds next month..:)

[Hai_hai]

Or, you can try clarino.

[Nishi]

Anyone know where you can send kote to be re-palmed? Or can anyone tell me where to buy the dearskin to re-palm the kote myself?

[AlexM]

Nishi,

E-bogu offers kote repair service (for far too much)

However, since you are in Canada (rather vague indication) try a hockey equipment repair place. They repair hockey gloves that require the same kind of work (althought thbey might not get it right the first few times).

I don't know where you can find deer leather. Try to go out to your local woodsman and have him slaughter something for you. :D

I must have made this same post 5 times by now....

[Nishi]

I'll make it difficult now, im actually in Great Britian (until october, then i return to Canada), so i may get back for deer hunting season, but in the meantime, i could use a more logical approach :D

__________________
Im hoping to study kyudo and practise during deer hunting season as well, this way i can practise budo and supply people with quality deer skin for kote.......kidding. ;)

[Hai_hai]

Originally posted by Nishi
Anyone know where you can send kote to be re-palmed? Or can anyone tell me where to buy the dearskin to re-palm the kote myself?

Dearskin can be obtained from a psycho who removes the skin of loved ones.

Deerskin can be obtained from Koei through www.bogubag.com.

[Nishi]

Originally posted by Hai_hai

Dearskin can be obtained from a psycho who removes the skin of loved ones.
url]

And do you have the web site for dearskin? :D
Its much softer...



LOL!!!

[Hai_hai]

Originally posted by Nishi


And do you have the web site for dearskin? :D
Its much softer...



LOL!!!

Oh... just stay there for a moment whilst I give Scotland Yard a little call.

[Nishi]

Silence of the "Dans".

[Nishi]

So is it difficult to stitch a new palm onto old kote. This would be my very first time repairing bogu.

[highelf]

*Strength and Honor*

I hear that Ebogu has a quick turn around and is very good.

[Inouye02]

I had my Kote's repalmed by E-Bogu, had them back in a couple of weeks...good service, great job...

[ben]

Originally posted by Nishi
So is it difficult to stitch a new palm onto old kote. This would be my very first time repairing bogu.

If the new palm is the right size, and the kote atama is not completely rotten so that you've got something solid to stitch onto, then no it's not that difficult. It seems impossible at first, but just be patient and don't stop until you get it right. When I learnt to do it I didn't have the option of sending it off for repair. Not having any other option (and no other kote to train with) is a great motivator.

With the palm removed it's also a good time to check for holes inside the kote. The inside lining can wear and/or rot and if the horsehair leaks out it can leave you with less protection for your knuckles. Tsubazeriai then becomes a very scary prospect. :eek:

b

[Fraz]

OK. I got some Palms at the WKC. Much cheapness...:)
I watched the armourers at work... Very friendly guys but im afraid my Japanese wasn't good enough to ask the questions I wanted to ask.:(

So. You cut off the old palm and check the inside lining for holes. Use a couple of stitches to tack the palm in place. Then you stitch the new palm onto the raised ridge around the outside.

Is there anything I've missed or does anyone know the url for a good reference site....?

[ben]

Fraz - You shouldn't need to cut the old palm off. Better to find where the beading (the "raised edge" that you mentioned?) was originally stitched to the palm. Pull those stitches out (on the kote palm side ONLY - leave it reattached to the other side), that will then reveal where the kote palm was originally attached to the raw edge of the kote atama (kote "head" - the bit that protects your fist). Pull out these stitches too. You should then be able to remove the original kote palm more or less in one piece, depending on its state. Then you also have a guide to see whether your new palm is the right shape (it probably should be a bit smaller because it will stretch with use).

Then you tack the new palm on, then stitch it on like you saw the old one was. Then finally re-sew the beading onto the palm to hide the join all the way around and voila!

PM me if you want a clarification on my ramble!

Ganbatte

b

[ben]

BTW - when you are separating the old palm from the kote atama, make sure you identify exactly which row of stitching holds the kote on, and which holds the kote atama edge together. Otherwise you might end up with horsehair everywhere and a kote like a deflated balloon.

Best of luck. It's not as hard as it sounds really, and is well-worth it for the satisfaction. The kote really will be 'yours' by the time you've finished.
:)
b

[Fraz]

Cheers Ben.
Got Practise tonight, so I'll need to leave it until tomorrow before I give it a try...:)

[Kent Enfield]

Best of luck. It's not as hard as it sounds really, and is well-worth it for the satisfaction. The kote really will be 'yours' by the time you've finished.Any recommendations on what sort of thread and needle to use? I may be attempting this soon.

[Hai_hai]

Any recommendations on what sort of thread and needle to use? I may be attempting this soon.

Cotton thread should be okay.
Needle? Well, not a small needle and not a curved needle.
After you remove the kote edge covering, you will see all the stitching that holds the back, the palm and whatever else.

[ben]

Any recommendations on what sort of thread and needle to use? I may be attempting this soon.

Use linen thread. Cotton is too weak. Wax the thread by rubbing a candle along it: this will help the stitches stay tight while you work.

If you're in Japan the needle you need is a "sankakubari", so called because it is triangular in section at the tip. In UK and Aus similar needles are called "glover's needles" (appropriately enough). However they are designed for sewing light leather gloves, and will require some care to use. Buy lots because you will probably break a few. Sankakubari are better because they are made from high-tensile steel, quite short and relatively thick.

Happy sewing!

b

[Fraz]

As Ben said Cotton is too weak it will snap, probably about a couple of stiches in. Nylon Carpet thead or Linen sailmakers thread are fine.

The only leatherworkers needles I could find had eyes that were too small for the thread, I ended up using a sailmakers needle, a leatherworking palm and a pair of pliers. I tried the curved matress needle but I kept sticking myself, Just try it and use the one your more comfortable with.