Kawakami

Hishigami

Rating: 3 votes, 4.33 average.
Hishigami are little paper triangles utilized when doing tsukamaki that fill out the ito on either side of the crossover. These little things do so much for the integrity of the wrap, it's almost hard to believe. These tiny, folded pieces of paper fill the ito, making the wrap more substantial, they lock the ito in place by conforming to and anchoring in the samegawa, and they keep the diamonds even by reinforcing the triangular shape of the ito on either side of the crossover.

They're really small, not hard to make, and pretty easy to use. I wonder why no-one really does. I think it's because no-one knows about them. Not only are they small, they're hidden...and the purpose they serve isn't immediately apparent. You kinda have to think for a moment, and if it doesn't seem important, then why bother?

Hishigami are immensely important. Any time someone wraps, they should use hishigami. It's makes for a prettier, longer lasting wrap. Well worth the little bit of time it takes to make them, in my opinion.

Kawakami

(PS: If anyone tells you that they are prayers for protection or victory...they're not. Don't undo the ito on any sword, new or antique, to look at them. They're just folded up paper. If you want to see them, let me know. I'd be glad to show you so you won't have to destry a piece of history.)
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