Tsuka

The blank is split and planed flat

The blank is chiseled out

The end outline and nakago profile is transferred to the mating blank

The outline of the fuchi is transferred to the tsuka and preliminary cutting begins.

Height of the ha and mune are adjusted

Preliminary shape and fit is checked

Respective material is remove to compensate for tosogu

Fitting continues until a good fit is accomplished

Kashira is fitted and overall proportions adjusted

The location for the node is referenced

Ready for same`

Mekugi is cut and fitted.

Nakago is lined and penciled in

Fit is constantly checked

The routing is completed and is ready for gluing

(The tsuka of koshirae is routed so that the that the ha is fully housed by only one side so as to provide a little more strength)

The kashira dimension are transferred and shaped as well

Width is adjusted

Thickness of the tsuba is calculated

Fuchi is fitted to tsuka

Length of the tsuka is measured and then cut

Ito is used in marking out for same`

The panels for the same` are  routed

Ito is used to determine the location and direction of the mekugiana

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