[William C Champlin]

Here's an oriental piece that I just got. It was sold to me as a Kubotowari but seems more like an elaborate can opener than a helmet smasher. It's said to be Edo era and is 12 1/4 inches long and feels to weigh about what my Reeve does though I've not yet put it on a scale. Since we don't see much non-western stuff here I thought that you all might enjoy it. W.

[Eric Allen]

What is that grip made out of? Shark/skate skin?

[Addison C. de Lisle]

The grip looks like rayskin to me...

Neat piece, looks sort of like a jitte, but I could be wrong.

[William C Champlin]

Yes, that's ray/skate skin and I misspelled kabutowari. I would guess that a cord wrapping held the skin in place but now it seems to be super glue. There is paper under the wrapping with writing and maybe a picture. I'll look at it under magnification and let you know what I find if anyone is interested. W