Tulwar scabbard

katana · 27th March 2007, 08:17 PM

Hi Richard,
thanks for the additional info

As to the cotton/canvas backing....It probably depends on the 'finishing' material. I think the idea of the backing is to 'smooth out' the surface so that finer fabrics appear smoother. Velvet would not show any minor imperfections in the woodwork below.......I am not suggesting there are 'imperfections' in your own scabbard

(it actually looks very nice, the fittings set it off nicely...but I do not think the wood would have been left 'uncovered' originally....unfortunately) Glueing seems to be the normal method, however I do not know what sort of adhesive would have been used originally. Most modern 'contact' adhesives should be OK....but I would recommend that you 'seal' the wood first by applying a coat of the adhesive to the scabbard and letting it dry.....and then use the glue to bond the fabric 'coating'. I have one velvet covered scabbard which has the 'seam' ( folded edge) hidden beneath some decorative 'edging' but do not know whether this is traditional.I want to make a scabbard for the khanda but would like to find a 'period' looking covering for the wooden core......and the 'suspension' rings/mountings will have to be fabricated.(again I will have to find examples). I really like those on your scabbard.....sufficently ornate without being 'over the top'.

One other thought....the scabbard furniture...was it fixed/riveted to the scabbard or bonded/glued to the scabbard?

Regards David

Pukka Bundook · 29th March 2007, 02:43 PM

Hi David,
The middle fitting was loose when I got the scabbard, and no sign of glue or anything to hold it in place. Probably a friction fit.
On new scabbard, It took a while sanding and fitting 'till the fittings would slide up far enough to align in their original position, as scabbard has some taper.
The velvet had been added After the fittings were in place, fitted and glued around their contours.

The lower fitting was interesting.
The last 7 inches or so of scabbard was an add-on, either because of an earlier breakage, or more likely, the wood used wasn't wide enough for the curve.
This added piece was half-lapped and glued together with the same resin that is used to glue the tang into the hilt. (Peepole tree resin?)
Also, this same resin had beed added fairly thickly to lower part of scabbard,to glue the chape (or lower fitting) into place.

Re. the decorative strip to cover the join in the fabric;

Q. Can you (or anyone else for that matter!) tell me if this strip is normally on the showing side or Inside of the scabbard??
Thanks in advance,

Richard.

katana · 29th March 2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pukka Bundook

Re. the decorative strip to cover the join in the fabric;

Q. Can you (or anyone else for that matter!) tell me if this strip is normally on the showing side or Inside of the scabbard??
Thanks in advance,

Richard.

Hi Richard,
The join (on my one) is on the facing side.....but do not know if this is usual. Looking forward to the pictures of the finished scabbard.

Regards David

27th March 2007, 08:17 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Richard, thanks for the additional info As to the cotton/canvas backing....It probably depends on the 'finishing' material. I think the idea of the backing is to 'smooth out' the surface so that finer fabrics appear smoother. Velvet would not show any minor imperfections in the woodwork below.......I am not suggesting there are 'imperfections' in your own scabbard (it actually looks very nice, the fittings set it off nicely...but I do not think the wood would have been left 'uncovered' originally....unfortunately) Glueing seems to be the normal method, however I do not know what sort of adhesive would have been used originally. Most modern 'contact' adhesives should be OK....but I would recommend that you 'seal' the wood first by applying a coat of the adhesive to the scabbard and letting it dry.....and then use the glue to bond the fabric 'coating'. I have one velvet covered scabbard which has the 'seam' ( folded edge) hidden beneath some decorative 'edging' but do not know whether this is traditional.I want to make a scabbard for the khanda but would like to find a 'period' looking covering for the wooden core......and the 'suspension' rings/mountings will have to be fabricated.(again I will have to find examples). I really like those on your scabbard.....sufficently ornate without being 'over the top'. One other thought....the scabbard furniture...was it fixed/riveted to the scabbard or bonded/glued to the scabbard? Regards David Last edited by katana; 27th March 2007 at 08:29 PM.

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29th March 2007, 02:43 PM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Hi David, The middle fitting was loose when I got the scabbard, and no sign of glue or anything to hold it in place. Probably a friction fit. On new scabbard, It took a while sanding and fitting 'till the fittings would slide up far enough to align in their original position, as scabbard has some taper. The velvet had been added After the fittings were in place, fitted and glued around their contours. The lower fitting was interesting. The last 7 inches or so of scabbard was an add-on, either because of an earlier breakage, or more likely, the wood used wasn't wide enough for the curve. This added piece was half-lapped and glued together with the same resin that is used to glue the tang into the hilt. (Peepole tree resin?) Also, this same resin had beed added fairly thickly to lower part of scabbard,to glue the chape (or lower fitting) into place. Re. the decorative strip to cover the join in the fabric; Q. Can you (or anyone else for that matter!) tell me if this strip is normally on the showing side or Inside of the scabbard?? Thanks in advance, Richard.