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How to Remove a Handle from an Antique Sword

Collecting antiques is a rewarding and exhilarating hobby for many. While some find the thrill in desks, lamps, clocks and other old furniture, others require a little more adventure: antique samurai swords. The best way to find out if a sword is truly an antique is to remove its handle. Underneath the handle you will find scratches, rust and maybe even a maker's signature that can authenticate the sword and the time in which it was made. Take proper care when removing the handle to make sure you don't cause damage to the sword itself.

Things You'll Need

  • Brass punch with hammer
  • Wooden block and hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the sword flat on a table in front of you. Locate the retaining peg, which is basically a nail that holds the handle onto the tang, or piece of metal under the handle. The retaining peg is generally about one-and-a-half inches from the hand guard.

    • 2

      Line up a brass punch with the small end of the retaining peg. Strike it sharply with the small brass hammer; this should visibly dislodge the peg from its place. If the peg falls out completely, be sure to grab it and put it somewhere safe so that you can restore it later.

    • 3

      Hold the handle in your left hand with the blade pointed up; make sure the cutting edge is facing away from you. Strike your left fist with your right to loosen the handle. From there, try to gently pry the handle free; one or two strikes should loosen the handle enough to just pull away from the tang. If it does not come away, move onto the next step.

    • 4

      Grasp the handle with the left hand with the blade pointed up and the cutting edge facing away from you. Place a small wooden block on the spacer between the hand guard and handle; support the block with the thumb of your left hand.

    • 5

      Strike the wooden block with the hammer gently; be careful not to strike your hand or the sword blade. One or two strikes will loosen the handle enough so that it will easily pull away from the tang.


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