[Josh Hibbs]

I'm having some problems with my Katana. When I first got it the entire Katana was very sturdy and held together well. I've had it for a little over a month now and the Tsuba and Tsuka seem to becoming loose. I'm not quite sure why they are because the sword that I have is purely ornamental and I do not use it. I'm not quite sure what to do, if anyone can please help me with this i would be very much appreciative.

[Nathan Robinson]

Tell us a little about your sword. Who makes it? This will help us determine how it is constructed and give us an idea of the methods used for securing everything together.

Let me explain: You mention that the sword is "purely ornamental" and I am left wondering if that is a statement of your purpose or a statement as to the type of sword you have. In other words, you may have a higher-end traditionally-mounted katana that isn't being used, or you may have an inexpensive decorative sword. Both would have very different methods of assembly and require different answers to your question.

[Thomas McDonald]

Hi Josh

Just at a guess .... I would say that the wood of your tsuka has contracted a tad !
Climate has a significant role in what organic materials will do (pretty cold up in Canada).

But as Nathan said, we need to know what you've got ? Mac

[Josh Hibbs]

Well since the Katana was given to me as a present all i can tell you is that the name on the blade says "Oscars" which is circled.

P.S. - the climate has been very sporadic lately, it went from freezing, to warm and damp, then to bitter cold in less than a month.

[Jeremy Scott Steimel]

When you say the tsuba is loose, do you mean in terms to the length of the blade? (i.e. as if there's too much space between the top of the Fuchi and the bottom of the habiki)

And for the tsuka -- again are you referring to the length of the blade, or does it feel like the nakago has room to shift within the tsuka core? (i.e. if you're holding the blade tip up, edge out, the nakago has a little bit of a pivot to the left and right).

Also, what kind of maintenance you do on the blade and what materials you use can also help determine a possibly problem.

[Josh Hibbs]

You were right on the ball with the pivot part. thats exactly what happens. when i held it out the blade seems to shift or picot. i havn't done any maintenance work on it however.