Cheap Asian Antiques

Bokken sword and rubber ring?

I bought a wood Bokken online, it's the same size and nearly the same weight as a real Katana, and great for training with it, the thing is, it came with a Tsuba, which is used as a guard or hilt for the weapon, and a rubber ring.
I have no idea what the rubber ring is for, when I unwrapped the bokken it was right in the middle, but I'd like to know exactly what it is used for.

The bokken, if it comes with a tsuba, usually has a ridge where the handle meets the blade. Slide the tsuba down the blade first. Then, look at the rubber ring -- some have a flat side and a round side. If both are the same, it doesn't matter, you just slide it down the blade whichever way. If, however, there's a flat side, the flat side will slide on first so it rests flush against the tsuba.

After a while, the rubber will wear away if not kept up. A little tire protectant (like armor all) will do wonders for keeping the rubber ring fresh. As for the wood, I suggest boiled linseed oil if the finish is natural.

Hope that helps!

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