Iaito Saya

The saya is prepared and brought to shiage stage. 

The saya is split and the point at which the horn will be inserted is marked out.

Nomi is used to remove stock as mapped out previously.   It is important to not penetrate fully into the saya but to leave a small amount of foundation so that when viewed through the koiguchi, the horn insert is not apparent.

Once the mortise to hold the horn is complete, the horn is prepared for the insert.

Once the fit is satisfactory the horn is glued in.

A saw is used to reduce the horn stock.

Yasuri are used to shape the horn, ultimately resulting in the horn taking the final shape of the saya.

After completion  the koiguchi is then prepared and fitted.  When making Iai saya,  copper koiguchi is always used as it is very durable providing protection against splitting as well as cut through.