How To Open Shirasaya

Disassembling a full mounting: https://youtu.be/mWgN2nwpFKg
The mekugi-nuki are available here: http://islandblacksmith.ca/product-category/nihonto-art-knives/

Some basic points on handling nihonto style knives...

1. Never pull or jerk the blade out with the power of your arms or you may lose control of the blade and possibly damage the saya (scabbard), yourself, or others...

2. When unsheathing, make sure the edge is up, then pull just enough (a few mm) so that the habaki (blade collar) disengages its tight hold on the saya, then the blade may be easily and smoothly drawn, resting on the mune (spine) as it slides out.

3. One way to accomplish the initial part of the draw is to place a hand loosely on either side of the joint, topmost thumb knuckles together and then squeeze. The knuckles push against each other for only a short distance but it is enough to start the blade out in a controlled manner (this way is slightly more difficult and may take some practice)

4. Another method is to grasp the tsuka (handle) and saya tightly with a little space between your hands and then use your saya thumb or forefinger to push against the other hand (as if it were the tsuba/handguard...a la old samurai dramas)

5. To replace the blade in the saya, make sure the edge is up, rest the tip in the koiguchi (mouth of the scabbard), and slide it in smoothly, resting it on the mune until the habaki engages again.

6. The portable or pocket mekugi-nuki (peg remover) can be used in a couple of ways, one is as a standard punch to push either by hand pressure or by being tapped with a mallet or suitable substitute, the other is by using the flat side and thumb pressure to release or seat the mekugi.

7. When replacing a bamboo mekugi, ensure that the side of the peg with the most dots in it (the outside of the plant, and strongest) is rotated towards the end of the handle, away from the blade. If it is a horn or hardwood mekugi, place it in loosely and sight along and across the handle to ensue the rotation is correct before pressing it home.

this shirasaya is carved from buggy, spalted Alder: http://islandblacksmith.ca/2014/02/spalted-alder-kotanto/