A tale of two koshirae
I thought it would interesting to share these, maybe it can help someone struggling with color scheme choices.
You would be very well served by either Nosyudo or Tozando. Both took about 18 months from the email that work started, both cost about the same. Tozando koshirae just came in, Nosyudo koshirae has been here about a year and shows signs of handling.
Nosyudo: black and silver; lengthwise brush strokes, silver habaki and seppa, blackened silver fittings, “aged” black silk ito. Aged “jidai” tsukaito has a purple hint to me.
Tozando: green and cha-urumi gloss, copper habaki and seppa, antique fittings, and uguisu silk. Cha-urumi varies dramatically in different lighting.
The tsuka are very close in quality and are two of the best that I’ve experienced.
Nosyudo has more options. Their rayskin seems to be a little better. Both are fully wrapped. Nosyudo used a hidden seam. Tsukamaki is great on both: tight, zero play, consistent. The method Tozando’s craftsman used to show more of omote rooster is a delightful touch.
For saya, the edge goes to Tozando but it’s a very close race. Both provide a smooth draw and noto, and seal firmly. Nosyudo saya has a minor bit of play, the blade will rock slightly if you give it a good shake. Tozando is a more precise fit. Kurikata is placed more precisely on the Tozando example. The Nosyudo is slightly off-set.
The sageo left some indentations on the Nosyudo saya. The presentation knot was tied much looser on the Tozando saya.
Honorable mention: Nosyudo provided a much nicer sword bag.
Sorry no blade photos today. I can’t do either justice. Every so often I try and it’s an exercise in frustration.