Japanese kilt accessories: Who woulda thunk it?

**CDNSushi** · 13th August 09, 06:25 AM

I was browsing through one of my favorite junk shops today when I came across this peculiar belt and belt buckle. I bought it on a whim because I thought it might look kinda cool with some of my kilts.

I'm not sure what to think yet. The belt width is right for my UK but the buckle may be a bit big and gaudy... Yet, the buckle would be about right for some of my tartan kilts but the width of the belt strikes me as a bit too narrow.

Anyway, it was a neat find and here's a picture for you all.. The design is of a Chinese phoenix, and as Japan adopted much of China's art, language and culture, even centuries ago, the phoenix became an important decorative element in Japanese art and mythology.

For my next project, because the Japanese are master blade smiths, I'd like to see if I could adapt a curved dagger with a lacquer sheath and wrapped handle into a Japanese-style sgian dubh.

**cessna152towser** · 13th August 09, 06:29 AM

Very nice, that will look good on a kilt.

**BEEDEE** · 13th August 09, 06:35 AM

Belt buckle is certainly unique. Wear it well.

Originally Posted by CDNSushi

For my next project, because the Japanese are master blade smiths, I'd like to see if I could adapt a curved dagger with a lacquer sheath and wrapped handle into a Japanese-style sgian dubh.

I have a small tanto blade that I am working on converting to a sgian dubh.

Brian

**CDNSushi** · 13th August 09, 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by BEEDEE

I have a small tanto blade that I am working on converting to a sgian dubh.

Brian

That's exactly what I was referring to.. (Didn't know how many people would know what a tantō is though).... It would have to be a fairly short one though. Maybe I could really really really save my pennies and commission one from an apprentice to one of the few remaining masters that are still kicking about and practicing their craft.

Although.... Maybe a fake one wouldn't be so bad... After all, no one knows it's not the genuine article, and even if I did have it, people probably wouldn't believe it's real anyway... lol. The fake ones look good too...

Oh yeah, after spending a bit of time on the net, if anyone's after the real deal, here's an exhibit of them (sorry, page is in Japanese only)
http://homepage2.nifty.com/FUJITOKEN/page003.html

I also found an auction for the genuine article. Unknown sword maker, common-variety dagger but definitely not fake: http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f69159760 (again, sorry it's only in Japanese)... From what I could gather though, it's borderline legal to carry as it just squeaks in under the legal blade length limit of the sword control law.

**JRB** · 13th August 09, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by CDNSushi

I really like that. It reminds me of a tsuba (katana guard).

**Old Hippie** · 13th August 09, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by CDNSushi

For my next project, because the Japanese are master blade smiths, I'd like to see if I could adapt a curved dagger with a lacquer sheath and wrapped handle into a Japanese-style sgian dubh.

Interesting idea! Find a bladesmith who will work with you to design a Highland-inspired hamon on a traditional blade -- or a Japanese hamon on a sgian blade forged in the Japanese style.

The tsuba might get in the way, however -- if memory serves, a tanto without a tsuba is called an aikuchi.

There's a guy by the name of Phill Hartsfield who does some interesting Asian-inspired stuff in small blades that may be close to what you're looking for.