Where to Buy Sayas? + Saya pics welcome

[fortheloveofmoar]

So I have a bunch of knives that I'm thinking of maybe getting Saya's for.... Does anyone know where I might start by either

1. buying something off the rack (I know there are a bunch of them on retailers but I'm a bit wary of them
2. not sure who does customs
--- and as a follow-up question - how much? - I know it will vary on materials and etc but just thinking ball park.

Also show off your Saya's would love to see some work here!

 

[Simply]

If you’re not dead set on wooden sayas and just need to keep them safe, honestly using thin cardboard works great. Bernals edge guards and generic sayas look to be a decent cost effective solution right now with their 20% discount.

 

[Johnsmyname]

Chef Knives to Go will check fitment if it’s a knife they carry. I have no experience with them though.

 

[NickMinton]

For customs, there’s @birdsfan for great work. I’m sure others will also openly endorse him

 

[Gavva]

+1 on @birdsfan

 

[dehory]

If you’re not dead set on wooden sayas and just need to keep them safe, honestly using thin cardboard works great.

Maybe this belongs in the Unpopular Opinions thread, but I don't really see the practical purpose of sayas...

For medium/long-term home storage, VCI-lined cardboard sleeves are the better choice for rust avoidance. And for protection during transit, cork-lined edge guards are much less heavy and much less bulky.

 

[HolyDiverScallop]

I like the Blade Safes. Rubber nubs o hold the blade, hard plastic to protect it, easy and durable.

 

[fortheloveofmoar]

I like the Blade Safes. Rubber nubs o hold the blade, hard plastic to protect it, easy and durable.

Something like this?

 

[fortheloveofmoar]

Maybe this belongs in the Unpopular Opinions thread, but I don't really see the practical purpose of sayas...

For medium/long-term home storage, VCI-lined cardboard sleeves are the better choice for rust avoidance. And for protection during transit, cork-lined edge guards are much less heavy and much less bulky.

@daveb ban this fool. Calls himself a knife enthusiast!!!!

Mostly kidding. Yea I getcha but I just want a nice saya doesn’t have to be practical. I’m not a chef I just like looking at it lmao. I’m just curious on options but I’m not set on anything quite yet.

 

[M1k3]

Edro sayas is another option.

 

[HolyDiverScallop]

Something like this?

Very similar. Those are close enough to be indistinguishable.

 

[fortheloveofmoar]

Very similar. Those are close enough to be indistinguishable.

Thanks mate. I’ll give them a shot!

 

[Keithpaints]

Like wooden saya used to buy from Japanese Chef Knife around 20.00 for 240mm would order 4 at a time. Shipping cheap to Hawaii. Can't do that anymore. After Covid now must buy a knife.

Amazon sell cheap wooden saya. They are rough finished need to be sanded then coated so don't get dirty easy to wipe down. Mercer 210mm with nice grain. For thin knives entrance narrow
Just 12.00 dollars. The Foxwake also need sanding & finish. Wider thicker saya fits more knives. 210mm 14.00. Can't see how they can make saya & sell retail on Amazon so cheap. I usually sand & coat saya anyway so no big deal.
If you want really nice custom saya you have to pay much more. Of coarse if you have a nice blade why not put out for a custom.

 

[birdsfan]

Maybe this belongs in the Unpopular Opinions thread, but I don't really see the practical purpose of sayas...

I don't disagree with you. For long term storage VCI paper and cardboard does make a lot more sense. Sayas are heavy as heck. When I bring a full kit to work, my bag weighs a ton! Practical they are not. But it isnt really practical to have 42 gyutos either (not that there is anything wrong with it)

All that said, I make them for all of my knives. A matching saya and handle look cool. And I do enjoy admiring them. Mine are displayed on a rack at my house. (ala the sword racks in "Kill Bill") I do get oohs and ahhs from the other cooks at work when I pull something new out of my bag.

 

[jedy617]

Saya all the things! I usually get mine from sean porter but he's taking a break for a bit.

 

[Keithpaints]

I don't disagree with you. For long term storage VCI paper and cardboard does make a lot more sense. Sayas are heavy as heck. When I bring a full kit to work, my bag weighs a ton! Practical they are not. But it isnt really practical to have 42 gyutos either (not that there is anything wrong with it)

All that said, I make them for all of my knives. A matching saya and handle look cool. And I do enjoy admiring them. Mine are displayed on a rack at my house. (ala the sword racks in "Kill Bill") I do get oohs and ahhs from the other cooks at work when I pull something new out of my bag.

I've seen your rack sayas are awesome.

 

[birdsfan]

Usually folks have to buy me a dinner to see my rack!

 

[fortheloveofmoar]

I like the Blade Safes. Rubber nubs o hold the blade, hard plastic to protect it, easy and durable.

+1 on this. I just got mine and it’s great. Rubber to hold the blade tight and still.

No rubbing in and out. Only problem is that they are more pricy than the felt grips (duh) but they are really nice.

Thank you for the recommendation!

 

[HolyDiverScallop]

Glad you like them! The other thing I like about them is that they don't hold moisture like the felt edge guards.

 

[Phillips.Forged]

This guy had to have some protection

Amboyna burl and fordite over a big ol damasteel slicer

 

[KengataKollektor]

I make custom sayas
Books are open, pm to discuss if you’d like.

 

[tostadas]

I would avoid felt edge guards like the plague. Just a bit of moisture in it will result in instant rust. I've seen far too many blades ruined as a result of felt guards.

 

[SuperLougat]

Magnetic says are lovely, but i have injured myself multiple times (mostly due to stupidity on my part) when the blade has slipped, usually slicing my fingers open on the bottom corner just poking out

Pros - no loosing pins
cons - ouch

 

[sugi_84]

Ive always wondered if wooden sayas could damage the edge from the blade rattling around inside?

 

[billybunka]

These are the knives I bring to work, I buy edro magnetic sayas and draw on them. For me walking to work with a knife roll these do scratch the blades a little bit but I’m also a little clumsy. I think if they were micro suede or felt lined they would be perfect!

 

[fortheloveofmoar]

Beautiful drawings. What a genius idea!!!!

 

[tay314]

+1 for @birdsfan. He made a saya for my Heldqvist that’s a work of art.

His photos with the nice outdoor light. My photo with the bad kitchen lightning.