Probably the wrong place, but..

[Neith]

Ok, I have a katana at home. It's only a cheap wallhanger I picked up around a year ago. I've decided after a bit of thinking that I wouldn't mind trying to teach myself how to use a katana, just as another hobby. I need the exercise too, so it'll help that.

However, I havent touched the sword in a while. I pick it up, and noticed the handguard is a bit loose. I know it could be because it's a cheap replica, but I'm curious. Does anyone know a way to tighten up the handguard? I know a few of you have swords, so I'm just wondering if you can help.

Cheers =D

[Kent]

...Teaching yourself how to use a sword?

How do you plan on doing that?

[Neith]

There's sites available with training techniques, and I have a couple of friends who have a bit of experience. I'd just rather sort this problem out without bothering them though http://pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

[EphekZ]

nvm

Handguard? pics please



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: darkgunner on 2005-10-04 16:19 ]</font>

[Neith]

Ok, typical cheap replica katana:
http://www.clarendonimports.com/images/stock/swords/yk-58r.jpg
That's actually very similar to mine. Above the handle, is the square (or circular) handguard. On mine, it rattles a bit, and isn't sitting as snugly as it should.

[Skuda]

The Katana I used over in Japan had a loose handguard. I don't think it's that big a deal. it's not going anywhere is it?

[Neith]

Nah, it's no problem, I just didn't know if it needed repairing I guess. My friends have swords without handguards, so I didn't know.

[HUnewearl_Meira]

Take a look and see how the handguard is secured to begin with. Some swords may have a screw that you can tighten on the hilt (typically, this is to remove the blade).

[Madzozs]

If you want to learn, try and find the basic Kendo war kata. There are like 4-7, I can't remember exactly.

As far as the tsuba being loose, I wouldn't go swinging it too seriously. You'd be better off getting a bokken and learning on that. They are close to the weight, and it is much much safer.

[Zelutos]

Uriko, i challenge you to a sword fight! *draws his Katana*

[EJ]

On 2005-10-05 00:49, Zelutos wrote:
Uriko, i challenge you to a sword fight! *draws his Katana*


http://pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_nono.gif

[Neith]

Thanks for the help, I'll check out how it's fitted later.

As for 'swinging it round', the only place I could do that would be the garage. No rooms in the house are big enough really http://pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

And Zel, let me get hold of a decent sword first http://pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wacko.gif

[Kent]

Really, I think that teaching yourself a martial art like that would be akin to taking "karate" at a McDojo. :/ You're most likely not going to be very proficient in it without real instruction.

[Neith]

Yeah, I have some friends who practice, so I'm thinking of asking what it's like before I jump to conclusions.

[EphekZ]

Well sometimses when the blade is loose like that the sword isnt battle ready.
is the blade loose or the handguard?

[Wyndham]

i had a tanto with a similar blade, and i swung it a few times and the blade just drooped and fell off.
so i suggest you use one that wont collapse because of its own weight

[Sharkyland]

I seem to be have the same problem with my wakazashi (can't think of the word right now, sp?)... I don't have it fixed right now and it doesn't seem to pose a problem with me. But... if you have opponents around you, you seriously don't want to have it jingling a bit to tell out your location.

The only weapon I have that's SERIOUSLY unbalanced is my glaive. Once I find the right screw I'm going to actually get a heavier wood or even use metal. The weight distribution is horribly bad.

[Neith]

Yeah, Wakizashi's right =P I think I'm gonna have a look round my area to see what courses are available, if any.

Thanks for the help http://pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

[hyperacute]

I really wouldn't recommend practicing with live steel, no matter how poor the blade. You can pick up a bokken for about 10 quid which has a similar weight and balance which is a far better plan...