Iaito Saya

The iaito saya and the heavy use placed upon requires that the saya be constructed slightly different than that of a basic koshirae saya. The constant drawing and returning of the blade to the saya naturally places increased wear on the koiguchi and the Ha of the upper 1/4 the saya. Practitioners often use blades of considerable length and this will put a heavy burden on the koiguchi if control is not maintained at the point where the kissaki clears the saya.  Even the best of practitioners will   occasionally have a poor draw or noto and and will benefit from the increased strength inherent in a properly made Iai saya.

The primary difference of the iaito saya is the placement of horn along the ha of the saya.  Horn is a very durable material and though not impervious to cut through, will significantly increase the working life of the saya.

The saya is initially glued with a thinned rice glue.   Shiage progresses up to the final stages and once fit is established with the fuchi and the koiguchi,  the saya is split and the process of inserting the horn begins.  I prefer to recess the horn to the point that it is about <1 mm under the wood at the ha edge.  When viewed through the koiguchi there is no apparent horn present but the insurance that the horn provides is not compromised.