How to tie your Sageo - Step by Step Tutorial - Sageo Storage Knot

Some people asked me how I make a tight Sageo Knot, for a Japanese sword (Katana and Wakizashi). This is how I do it. I Wish you enjoy watching the video and tying your own Sageo.
In the video / on the photo's, the Ha of the Katana is facing down in the Kake so the knot(s) show(s)... This is done deliberately, in case you might wonder. Normally you display a Katana with the Ha facing up, so you are less likely to dull the blade because of leaning in to the Saya.
I buy my Sageo from kyodaioriginals.nl
Nederlandse ondertiteling beschikbaar - English subs available

[@cestrell]

This is an excellent video, both because of the technique and your explanation. Thank you very much.

[@BobWalkerNL]

You are most welcome. Thank you, for your kind words. Enjoy.

[@PabloLFCX]

Could not agree more. The best video I’ve seen on this. By far.

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you so much :)

[@andrebaxter4023]

Thanks for the upload. Just got my Sageo in the mail. My katana felt naked without it. Can't wait to try this.

[@BobWalkerNL]

You're welcome. Enjoy.

[@lashinka2574]

Thank you so much! I had one of my set come apart years ago and have driven myself almost mad trying to figure out how to re-tie it! 😂

[@BobWalkerNL]

You're welcome. Did you manage now?

[@LordMarchewka]

That was useful, showing all that's necessary and at the same time avoiding all the holdups. Straight to the point and informative. Good stuff, partner.

[@BobWalkerNL]

Well, thank you so much.

[@amirdujak5274]

I just bought my first Bokken and got a Saya too. Damn, your explanation made it look sooooo easy, but in reality, it's a little harder. Not as hard as I imagine it would be, but just not so easy. My Sageo wasn't as long as a real Sageo would be, since I was only able to do two loops. Still, it looks nice, better than just letting the Sageo be the way it wants to be, lol. Guess that I will keep practising for the day I buy a Katana with a longer Sageo. Thanks for the video, you have my like!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you for your kind message. I wish you enjoy studying / training with your bokken. Indeed, it looks nice and tidy this way. After a couple of times 'struggling' you will manage to do the knot during a coffee break. Then you will be able to see through / read the knot. At that moment you can even make it tighter, after your initial knotting. Enjoy!

[@obby_phett6667]

I first came to this video a while ago and made it pretty sloppy, I finally came back bc I wanted to try and make it again and it looks much better now. Thanks for such a great tutorial👍

[@BobWalkerNL]

🙏🏻 Sincere compliments on your persistence.

[@beowulf2772]

Thank you, this is straightforward. I'm gonna make it for my pipe katana/tachi that weighs 1.2kg

[@BobWalkerNL]

Welcome and enjoy.

[@Whendeadmanwalk]

I amgoing to do the same with mine

[@Unknown11579]

Thank you I untied mine when my brother got me my own katana and I didn't know what it was for

[@BobWalkerNL]

How nice.

[@zskovi]

Thank you very much! It's very comprehensive and practical. I have made my first sageo knot after seeing your video. I'm surprised that It's totally doable without any trick. I made the knot with a simple pen and without tape. I will practicing more. Ossu!🙂

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you for your kind reaction. You are most welcome. Enjoy!

[@leo0162-x5j]

I bought my first katana it came with a black string and i searched what its for google said its for sageo and i watched your yt vid it looks cool now ty!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Great! I wish you enjoy your Katana. Sageo is used for many things. For instance to make sure your Saya stays in place (and you don't loose it) while practicing and tied around the Tsuka when putting it in the sword bag for transportation. It's also very handy to hold up your Kimono sleeves while doing Tameshigiri.

[@rektmaster1749]

I did everything in my power to make it look good, I won’t be surprised if there’s a bounty on my head for making the worse sageo ever. Thank for the vid I was at least able to do a sageo tho, I unknotted mine by mistake so I had to remake it

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thumbs up for your efford. Keep doing it and you will be a pro.

[@grimm2085]

Very nice, well done, thank you for sharing your knowledge, God Bless

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@jessereid8482]

wow. thats so simple but not at the same time. Thank you for taking the time to make this video and I hope you continue to make cool things like this

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you so very much. There are some thoughts for new video's.

[@sukomer491]

Thank you very much! I have a replica and the Sageo came off I got a bit scared but this video helped me a lot thankyou ❤

[@BobWalkerNL]

Good to read this came in handy. You are most welcome.

[@manone343]

Don't make it too tight, got it! Jokes aside, this was very helpful, thank you!

[@BobWalkerNL]

You're welcome :)

[@shirou_white]

kami-sama bless you...and i got scared when i tried to chage out the on that came with my katana without thinking on how the knot is supposed to be done, untill i found this vid of yours...was a live saver... oh and btw.. you said that if you where to loose the end of one of the loops, you'd have to redo everything from the beginning.... i just wanted to mention that if youre carefull, you can slowly loosen the other loops and lead the end slowly threw the loops and then retighten everything...worked for me :D

[@BobWalkerNL]

🙏 Arigato gozaimasu. Good to see you are happy with it. Thank you for the tip. 🙂

[@luckyjhagra6020]

Thank you very much. This was not easy to do on a 1/6 scale figure. Great result!

[@BobWalkerNL]

How nice! :) Respect!

[@elimckee9946]

Sensie thank you for teaching me such a beautiful knot, I appreciate it

[@BobWalkerNL]

Hi Eli, you are most welcome. Doitashimashite. And thank you for your compliment, you are very kind. Do you have any other questions?

[@Zaiqu0]

thanks so much for the tutorial! i struggled a bit trying to tighten it but i got there eventually

[@BobWalkerNL]

Good! Most welcome.

[@k1llf4nt4]

I recently bought an Odachi to begin my sword collection, instantly untied the knot and still not sure why lol. But this video really helped a lot so thank you!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Most welcome and enjoy your investment. 🙏

[@Gecko1115]

i enjoyed this very much. your explanation is crystal clear. thank you.

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you very much. 🙏

[@mattnobrega6621]

Nice video and made simple. Impressive collection from what I can see. 😁👍

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you very much. 🙏 You have seen well, I'm blessed with some fine swords. 😃

[@waaliwakki]

Thank you Walker Sensei, very calming and peaceful. Hai!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Doitashimashite 🙏

[@xXd3m0lXx]

Best tutorial on yt. Thanks

[@BobWalkerNL]

Many thanks and most welcome.

[@EdwinHendraKusuma]

A very enlightening video. Thank you, sensei.

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you too and most welcome.

[@soniadeguzman790]

Thank you for sharing this ☺️💞

[@BobWalkerNL]

You're welcome.

[@technos_orphan_obliterator]

Hello there. Did you also mistakenly untie the knot on ur katana, and as such have come here to fix it? Me too! Also, Congratulations! You have a katana!!!! I bought mine just today. 2 of them. Zoro's Wado Ichimonji and Shusui. What about u?

[@rymanshroomzorz]

I did this with a pen instead of a chopstick, the katana was a bokken, and the saya was plastic for the bokken... It ended up looking more like a real katana lol thank you.

[@BobWalkerNL]

Good. Glad you enjoy it.

[@mauricebrown9641]

Domo Sensei. Great video. Thanks

[@BobWalkerNL]

Doitshimashite. Thank you for the compliment.

[@cleopatra862]

Nice…thank you for sharing. ❤😊

[@BobWalkerNL]

You are welcome. :)

[@euclid47]

Thank you. Very clear instructions. Mine turned out great. I'd love to send a photo

[@BobWalkerNL]

You are most welcome. If you wish you can send my an e-mail. It would be an honor to see your result.

[@euclid47]

@@BobWalkerNL what's the email

[@BobWalkerNL]

I'm carefull with that, since bots seem to like those and send lots of spam. Nevertheless, in the 'about' section of my channel you will find a link to our Facebookpage. Please send me a message there.

[@ShiftDrift_Media]

Really helped allot! Thanks sir 🙏🏼 domo arigato gonzaimasu 🙏🏼🐉

[@BobWalkerNL]

Doitashimashite 🙏🏼 Enjoy

[@realsetokaibaja5111]

Thank you for this video 🙏

[@BobWalkerNL]

You are very welcome. Wish you enjoy it.

[@realsetokaibaja5111]

@@BobWalkerNL yes sir I did

[@Kode1551]

Noice, tysm,, i did it!

[@sinrik1574]

Thank you sensei

[@BobWalkerNL]

You are most welcome.

[@knightingalesaid]

Thanks so much! It doesn’t look so hard to do. It takes time though. Now the ito.

[@BobWalkerNL]

You are most welcome. Indeed, it takes time; a few bowls of Macha en some calming Japanese music will help too.

[@jon8xty1]

I have a wakizashi and a tanto with kogatanas and so do they have sageo as well as they will partially cover the kogatanas. Your advice please.

[@BobWalkerNL]

That would indeed be the case. Unless you use it as an utility knife you can cover it partially, when on display. If you were to you use the Kogatana as an utility knife, taking it out and putting it back might of course damage your Sageo.

[@annebeardsley6365]

Thank you! My iaito saya has hairline fractures, and I am attempting to save it by a combo of wood glue and semi-permanant wrapping near the koiguchi to hold it together (I bought an extra wakizashi sageyo for the purpose). This was very helpful.

[@BobWalkerNL]

Good! Wood glue should do the jod. Glad this was of help. :)

[@amarok5048]

My wakizashi had a split saya. I could not source a replacement one which would be the correct shape for my sword. Eventually I took it to my auto bodyshop repair guy who did a perfect job.

[@BobWalkerNL]

Briljant!

[@CobraPunch1]

Thank you

[@BobWalkerNL]

Most welcome

[@gamerkinetingz4135]

thank you

[@BobWalkerNL]

My pleasure.

[@senseidumdum9372]

Thank you the chopstick made things so much easier

[@BobWalkerNL]

Welcome and enjoy.

[@_TripleChanger-Achilles_]

I'm just trying to figure out how to put my sword on my waist without buying any extra stuff.... I thought that knot that your video is based on is how you tie it to your waist... unless that knot IS how you wear the sword on your back or waist

[@BobWalkerNL]

You wear the sword in an Obi (belt). A Iaido Obi is about 3.7" wide. The Sageo is used (amongst a few other things) to prevent loosing the Saya (scabbard) while using the sword. A Iaido Obi (search fot Kaku Obi) would be around $ 30.00 I guess. You could also use and old Judo belt, which is much cheaper. The knot is meant for sword display / sword 'not in use' times.

Buy an obi belt smh, what kind of kenshi or ryuha u learnt

[@zachlap3020]

Usually (atleast in Iaïdo practice) you wear the saya through your hakama and through your obi

[@thool]

Use your white belt from the mall karate you took when you were a kid.

[@shaq1]

It looked a mess until you tightened them. Perfect

[@samucovst7218]

thanks a lot mate

[@BobWalkerNL]

Most welcome

[@chair-wood]

i need help i got a katana and sageo is tied like that and i cant take it out help please

[@BobWalkerNL]

🙂 Now worries, if you decide you want the Sageo untied, just pull the loose ends. And then start learning how to tie them again of course. Take your time and do not stress about it.

[@kenmcmullan9330]

Would it be possible to see how you start the second half of the loops, please? Round about 2"30, you say "I repeat at the other side," but I can't seem to get mine started in a way that the loops are all pointing the same direction! Thank you!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Could you please send me an e-mail? I will gladly show you.

[@chrishenning8829]

Well, mine looks like crap. THANKS ANYWAY. I think my cord is just too soft.

[@doddy885]

I've tried this a couple of times but my sageo doesn't seem to be long enough for the final loop to go through all 8 loops. Do I just use fewer loops?

[@BobWalkerNL]

You can make as many or little loops you want. For me there is no fixed number. Enjoy!

[@Sqirmy]

what length do you use for this knot?

[@BobWalkerNL]

For this one I used a Sageo about 7 foot long.

[@VulpesDen]

How long should the string for the sageo be

[@BobWalkerNL]

I used about 220 cm for a Katana.

[@ajanator5263]

Are wakizashi sageo supposed to be shorter or is mine just badly made?

[@BobWalkerNL]

Indeed, the Sageo for Wakizashi are shorter then the Katana ones. Tanto even shorter. When using the Sageo, the Saya of your sword should remain in your Obi, whilst the Sageo is fully extended.

[@bontuhayato6597]

Making the knot tight is the only thing I don’t understand to do

[@BobWalkerNL]

It's not the easy part indeed. The trick is to start from the Kurigata and work your way to the end (one side at the time), pulling the Sageo a little tighter bit by bit. It takes a few times to understand the way the Sageo runs, in order to do that. Once you found out the way the knot runs, it's easier.

[@bontuhayato6597]

@@BobWalkerNL thxx I’ll do my best

[@Keithphotorama]

I am new to the entire scene and waiting for my very first Iaito. Very nice but practicing Iaido every day would make this knot time consuming.

[@BobWalkerNL]

Welcome to the scene. Never go back... Of course, when practicing every day with you soon to arrive Iaito, it is not very handy. After your second Iaito and your first Shinken have arrived (and they will at one time), you might want to place some on the Katana-Kake for display. Then it looks very neat and tidy. For now you could just wrap the Sageo twice around the Tsuka and then make a single knot around the Saya. This way your sword is locked in the Saya and you can put it in the swordbag. Enjoy the study of the Japanese sword.

[@Ghoxt0]

can you show how to put a sageo in a katana that dosn't have a kurigata please please🥺🥺

[@BobWalkerNL]

I see what you mean. It is actually almost exactly the same. In stead of pulling it trough the Kurigata, you double the Sageo, wrap the closed end around the Saya and bring the loose Sageo ends thru (now the Sageo is fastend around the Saya) then start making the knot. Only thing is that it will probably slide of the Saya, after a while.

[@theninjagamer3257]

my pea brain is to small for this, think i might get one of my friends to do it, but thanks for the help

[@themccallpack1089]

I untied mine to clean my katana that’s why I here

[@BobWalkerNL]

Welcome and enjoy

[@themccallpack1089]

@@BobWalkerNL thanks

[@briangulamerian7402]

How long of a cord was used to tye that? I have Cord Silk ito

[@BobWalkerNL]

The Sageo used is about 7 foot . Silk Ito is beautifull. Will you make tassels at each end? Enjoy.

[@briangulamerian7402]

@@BobWalkerNL I have a black sheth for my katana. I Think blue wrsp would look goog.

[@DropDeadAuthor]

If my Katana doesn't have the block on the sheath how would I tie it?

[@BobWalkerNL]

You could buy such a block (Kurigata) and glue it to your Saya (sheath). That comes in very handy, when actually using the Sageo (cord) on the Saya. If you wish to tie it without a Kurigata, you could tie the Sageo down (in the middle) with a piece of string, cross the ends over and start making the knot.

[@DropDeadAuthor]

@@BobWalkerNL thank you this is great help!

[@phos1959]

Very calming and helpful video sir. I got a question, what is the length of your sageo in centimeter ? Thank you!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you and most welcome. This Sageo is about 220 cm.

[@rundurlukegaming7844]

How long should it be?

[@BobWalkerNL]

About 220 cm / 87 inches for a Katana

[@leonchao7247]

My remaining sageo after the 4 loops is a bit short, should I go down to 3 on each side instead? Great video!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Indeed, 3 loops would be a very good choice. I do the same with a Wakizashi (3 loops) and a Tanto (2 loops). Thanks for the compliment; enjoy!

[@mikey9906]

I wanna know who was the first person to figure out how to tie that crap lol

[@cerealboxtoys]

thank you for this. im the 777th like :P

[@BobWalkerNL]

Most welcome. Thank you too.

[@gooseman6453]

i think your dutch :) so hallo geweldige video!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Indeed, you are correct. 🙂 Dank je wel voor je compliment. 🙏

[@MrScythe1981]

The Chop stick was a neat idea. I have done this without them and its a royal mess

[@BobWalkerNL]

Most welcome. Enjoy.

[@hvskyline1368]

How long should the piece be for wrapping

[@BobWalkerNL]

The one in the video (for Katana) is 220 cm. wich is a little over 7 foot.

[@hvskyline1368]

@@BobWalkerNL so you tied it with 7ft? Jeez that's a lot lol I mean I can see why I just am a little surprised is all

[@sibassius7674]

thanks for the vid! i have a white katana and the white Sageo is now brown hahah i need to wash it

[@BobWalkerNL]

You're welcome. The brown Sageo is proof of your hard work. 👊

[@Matix1179]

How do i make it tight? Mine is very loose

[@BobWalkerNL]

From the Kurigata follow the Sageo and tighten bit by bit. I use a chopstick for that. Pull a little, next wrap pull and you get some more room, etc. till the end. Enjoy!

[@Matix1179]

@@BobWalkerNL i can get the sageo tight but i cant get the strings when you wrap them to make the loop i cant get them tight because if i pull on the it will make the sageo tight but then its loose but when i pull the sageo then those strings are tight but the sageo isnt i dont really know how to explain it sorry for that

[@Matix1179]

@@BobWalkerNL i found the problem it was the cord i was using i tried with paracord and i got it thank you and happy early new years :)

[@BobWalkerNL]

Good! 🙂 Thank you very much and happy new year too.

[@Matix1179]

@@BobWalkerNL thank you too :)

[@MajorDork70]

This is what makes old japanese culture both so fascinating and so annoying. Everything is ridicolously complicated. But damn its also beautiful.

[@BobWalkerNL]

Hai! Fully agree.

[@MultiDdiamond]

You make it look so easy 😂 this is beautiful work im trying to do a pink one on my katana for my baby daughter who passed away just a little something I want to do but unfortunately iv tried 4 times im ok at most of it but soon as it come to tighten it up it all goes wrong 😂 ill keep trying

[@BobWalkerNL]

My sincere condolences for your loss 🙏 I wish you strength. Please do keep working on the knot. At one point you will get it and it will be in your muscle memory.

[@apolaki94]

Good, but difficult without the close camera for the second bow part

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you. Second part is exactly the same as the first part. Just repeat. Enjoy.

[@16Giam]

Where do you bought those sageo? They’re beautiful 0:09

[@BobWalkerNL]

I bought them here: kyodaioriginals.nl/product/sageo Enjoy

[@16Giam]

@@BobWalkerNL thank you very much!

[@BobWalkerNL]

You are most welcome

[@arndth3fur]

My sageo isn’t long enough ;(

[@BobWalkerNL]

No worries, you could do less loops :)

[@arndth3fur]

@@BobWalkerNL you are very right! Thank you, Sensei!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Most welcome

[@16Giam]

0:08 katana looks beautiful

[@BobWalkerNL]

Thank you so much. It has a handmade Koshirae. Very pleased with it.

[@16Giam]

@@BobWalkerNL where do you get that sword?

[@BobWalkerNL]

Good question, I do not remember where the blade comes from. The Koshirae was made by a NBTHK approved artisan. The Tsuka and Tsukamaki were done by a Chinese / Dutch artisan. I did the Saya myself.

[@16Giam]

@@BobWalkerNL oh, well I just wanted to know if I could find it anywhere, but I guess not hahaha, take care of it, excellent job with the saya, looks amazing!

[@BobWalkerNL]

Domo arigato 🙏

[@alexthejew420]

i dont really like how he kind of jumps over the following: 3:15-3:30, im fucking stupid and think i fucked it up but im not even sure cuz i cant tell bc he doesnt explain everything properly but apparently everyone else said he did im just dumb bruh 😭 great video overall though :D

[@AlessandroLovesBass]

Can't help myself, too hard for me

[@BobWalkerNL]

Do it again in a week and then in two weeks, etc. You will get the hang of it. Give it time.

[@pornchaidamrongthaveesak2581]

Ummm..first of all ,gotta look for the shop that sageos are sold

[@BobWalkerNL]

These for me are excellent shops: www.seidoshop.com/search?q=sageo&type=product tozandoshop.com/search?q=sageo

[@pornchaidamrongthaveesak2581]

@@BobWalkerNL Thank you for the reply. So, prices vary on the material . Excellent shop with reasonable prices.

[@BobWalkerNL]

You are most welcome. Indeed material and method make the price.

[@user-wz8ce3ez2q]

浪人巻きですかね。

[@BobWalkerNL]

ご質問ありがとうございます。 私はそれを最もよく使われる結び目の1つとして知っています。

[@markuscamenzind5510]

i guess sticky tape is ok on cheap replicas

[@xotiicjokes2246]

I’m sorry but this confused me so much