By lyuesword | 16 December 2020 | 1 Comments
Why're Mekugi Important Parts of the Japanese Sword
MEKUGI is a small rounded peg, that's fitted horizontally through the handle of a Japanese sword. Generally speaking, most swords feature around two mekugi which are laterally slotted into the sword handle through the nakago (the central, covered portion of the sword itself), however, some swords only use one. Classical Japanese mekugi are crafted of strong susudake bamboo which are meticulously smoked and aged for increased resiliency.
What are Mekugi Made From: Mekugi are typically made from smoked and cured (called susudake) bamboo, though some have a second one made from brass close to the bottom of the handle.
As they can be quite easily damaged when disassembling a Katana, some people choose to make their own from quality bamboo chopsticks.
Sword collectors or prospective sword craftsman, sword smiths, and actual sword practitioners should know what a mekugi is; for improperly inserted or weak mekugi can completely compromise the integrity of the weapon entirely. Indeed, so crucial was the mekugi to sword integrity that it was often said in feudal japan, that a Samurai's life rested upon the quality of his mekugi. This is because that small little bamboo peg is all that’s left to hold the blade of one's weapon in place should it come unfettered from the handle.
This is why nearly every single sword maintenance and sword cutting guide out there will tell you over and over again how dangerous it is to practice without a mekugi, as the blade will be much more likely to fly from the handle and cut its wielder.
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