Obtaining cord for sword wrapping.

How to restore antique arms & repair practice swords.

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fzara2000
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Joined:Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:04 am
Obtaining cord for sword wrapping.

Post by fzara2000 » Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:10 am

Hi! New to this forum.


I have a question regarding cord wrap on Chinese swords.


Also where can I purchase cord for wrapping?

I am mainly interested in trying out different materials like silk, traditional cotton and leather.

Thanks!

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Peter Dekker
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Rank: Chang San feng
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Post by Peter Dekker » Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:47 pm

Hi,

Welcome to the forum!

You may want to look at this thread: viewtopic.php?t=371 There is a manual to be downloaded there that covers the subject. It's been a while since I wrote it and I've learned a lot more so I will have to revise it soon, but it's a start.

I may be able to help you with any questions you have about wrapping. I have done quite a few myself for collectors, restorers and martial artists. There are several ways to properly wrap a hilt in a historical manner, some are easier than others and different hilts have their different ideal wraps. Learning the basic technique is actually not very hard, but it takes some practise to get them nice and tight.

CORD
I have all kinds of natural cotton cord available. I even have access to silk but the latter is pretty expensive and so far only comes in bright (imperial) yellow. PM me if you're interested in cord.

-Peter
Knowing is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do.


-Bruce Lee

http://www.mandarinmansion.com
Antique Chinese Arms & Functional reproductions

http://www.manchuarchery.org
Fe Doro - Manchu Archery

fzara2000
Posts:12
Joined:Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:04 am

Post by fzara2000 » Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:47 pm

Thanks Peter!

I read your guide, excellent material!

I once saw some information about a different method in which the cord is first completely crossed in the handle and then the loop is applied using a needle. Do you have info on that one?
Frank Zaria

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Peter Dekker
Rank: Chang San feng
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Post by Peter Dekker » Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:52 pm

Hi Frank,

I can see that some people may want to do it in this way. In my experience, such a wrap will never really get tight enough for a good wrap that doesn't slide, as you loosen up the crossed "base" wrap while you get the loop under it with the needle. Also, you have to use flat braided cord and only really big needles will fit the proper cord.

So in my opinion, it looks like a shortcut, but won't give you the required result of a good and tight wrap.

I only use a fork to tidy up the wrap now and then, but no needles.

Good luck!

-Peter
Knowing is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do.


-Bruce Lee

http://www.mandarinmansion.com
Antique Chinese Arms & Functional reproductions

http://www.manchuarchery.org
Fe Doro - Manchu Archery

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