During the height of Samurai culture in feudal Japan, the Shoganate, or war lords, where the dominate authority over the lands. Their servants were known as Bushi, which simply means solider, or warrior and where an honored class in society. Due to their social ranking, they were allowed to carry a long sword, known as Katana, as well as a shorter sword known as Wakizashi. These two swords, when worn together where referred to as a Daisho. To the Bushi, or as they are commonly referred, Samurai, the katana was more than just a weapon, it was a part of their very soul. Often times these swords were generational swords, passed down from father to son for hundreds of years.
What is not so well known about the Katana is how many steps are involved in its creation. The smith will forge out the blade, heat treat and give a foundation shape to it, and usually that is where his job ends. The unfinished blade will be sent to a Togi, or polisher for finishing. The term “polisher” is fairly nondescript, because there is so much more involved. This process can be very long and tedious to get all of the shapes in the blade and to highlight all of the activity in the steel. After the blade is finished, the next step involves fittings. This is also done usually be various craftsmen and is an art unto itself. One of these processes involves wrapping the handle, or Tsuka, with a flat cord. This process of handle wrapping is known as tsukamaki, and is what gives the katana its very unique appearance over any other type of sword found in history. Even those not familiar with the subtleties of Katana will quickly recognize the “diamond” shapes found in a tsukamaki wrap.
As many know I am relatively new to the whip work, and have a strong background in martial arts and sword, particularly with katana. I began discussing a custom whip project with the very talented Lauren Wickline several months ago, and was trying to figure out a design that would be very functional as a martial arts tool, but also something that would bring a unique personalized flare to it. One rainy afternoon, I came up with the idea of having a whip with a tsukamaki / Katana style wrap to it. I pitched the idea to Lauren and she was very excited to take it on, however it would involve her learning a completely new wrapping style. I sent her a few instructional web pages as well as a bunch of pictures and a few days later she sent me a picture of her “practice” wrap and WOW let me tell you…… incredible! Needless to say, Laurens got SKILL!
Well, the wait is finally over, she sent me pictures today, and words hardly describe it! My mouth was literally hanging open the whole time I was looking at the pictures. She also included some small dragon head ornaments I sent her, called Menuki which are of my personal logo I use on all my weaponry. Sort of my “trademark”. I will no doubt make MANY MANY videos with this whip as well as a full thorough review once I receive it, but for now I will leave you with the preview pictures she sent me.
The Money Shot:
The Handle (top view)
Handle.. or should i say Tsuka
The Musashi Dragon Menuki (My Logo)
Fall Hitch and braiding.... beautiful
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