December 29, 2021 07:02:25 PM
Posted By Thomas L. Buck
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Recently, I was presented with a late Edo tsuka from a sword that had been used as an iai-to. I needed to repair the mekugi-ana, and put on a full wrap of same' to strengthen the tsuka. Interestingly, the owner requested gyakumenuki (gyaku meaning "reverse") wherein the menuki are positioned the the other way around, so that the menuki fits into the palm of the hand when held with a standard right handed grip. On traditionally mounted swords this is rare, but among modern iai-do practioners which way the menuki are mounted is largely personal preference. Most people are used to the standard configuration, some find the menuki feels more natural and comfortable when in the palm of their hand.
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