Black Ito - Japanese Cotton

Black Ito - Cotton

The tsuka ito or handle wrap goes over the same (ray skin). Same skin serves to keep the tsuka in place so that it doesn't pack down or work loose under constant use. The tsuka ito absorbs sweat and blood, providing a nonslip, comfortable grip for a barehanded user.

Katanas were traditionally worn thrust through the obi (sash or belt) edge up. The side of the tsuka closest to the wearer when worn in this fashion was called the "private" or "personal" side. This is where the wrapping begins. The tsuka ito is crisscrossed around the handle, then twisted and folded 360 degrees. This produces a beautiful series of diamonds. Traditionally tsuka ito required wraps that produced an even number of these diamond shaped openings.

The mekugi (peg) should not be covered by the tsuka ito. Tsuka ito came in various widths to better fit tantos, wakizashi, and katana.

The 'width' of Tsuka-ito has traditionally been measured with the ito drawn tight. Our cord is measured when it is pulled tight (as it would be when wrapped) and is 8 mm. When relaxed it is 10 mm.