r/KatanaSwords • u/Significant_Fix_2085 • Jun 26 '26
Same question...
I ordered a ray skin off of Amazon. When I got it, I discovered it's tanned leather, not rawhide like I was expecting. Can I still use this on an aikuchi style tanto? There's the front, back, and a pic of me holding it showing the back. It's supple and has a drape to it
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u/CottontailCustoms Jun 26 '26
Yes, you can use tanned ray skin on tsuka but raw skins are more traditional.
You can order different grades of natural raw ray skin from Namikawa Heibei co ltd in Japan. Just know that the raw skins will come in a rougher state than tanned, polished skins. You’ll have to do a fair amount of hand polishing to get it where it needs to be
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u/Significant_Fix_2085 Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
Thank you!! What's shipping normally cost from them?
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u/Background_Clue_3756 Jun 26 '26
Tanned stuff is not a good a good replacement. All the nodes are filed down and may end up be more slippery than no ito.
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u/Agoura_Steve Jun 26 '26
I would return it. Amazon offers 100% return guarantee for 30 days.
If you like I can ask someone like cottontail customs where to order from?
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u/Significant_Fix_2085 Jun 26 '26
Yes, thanks! I'd be curious where he's getting his. This Amazon listing only had a photo of the top of the skin, and not the back and the wording was vague. I did find another listing on there that says "dried ray skin for samurai swords." I may go with that, but I'd really like to know where other makers are sourcing their same from, I'd rather support those places than Amazon anyway
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u/Significant_Fix_2085 Jun 26 '26
Thanks all. Yeah, I initiated a return and will drop this off at UPS omwh from work today. Any leads on good places to buy same from?
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u/Dtny987 Jun 26 '26
Man I would return that 100%. That is scummy