Odoshi-Ge & Chidori Odoshi

Odoshi-Ge (威毛 odoshige Odoshi-Ito) is lacing material, such as silk, leather, hemp or cotton which is used to connect the plates and decorate samurai yoroi. Having odoshi ito is essential for re-lacing yoroi (samurai armor) for maintenance or giving your samurai armor a new, fresh look. Traditionally samurai would replace the odoshi on their samurai armor after returning from a campaign, which could be daily. As the Edo Era ushered in a time of “peace” there was far less combat and less need to re-lace one’s yoroi. However over time the sun’s UV light with normal exposure to the elements, as well as normal wear and tare would brake down the fibers of the lace. Because of this samurai would typically replace the odoshi on their gusoku (samurai armor sets) about every 10 years. As Samurai armor was a status symbol of one’s rank and source of pride second to their katana, keeping their armor in its full glory was imperative. If a samurai didn’t maintain their gusoku it would be seen as disrespectful.

Chidori Odoshi (Plover cord) is special multi-color odoshi cord which resembles a chevron pattern or pattern resembling that of a Japanese plover bird. Chidori odoshi has a distinct pattern in the weave which gives a multi-color or variegated effect when laced through the samurai armor plating. This particular style of armor cord is more decorative and is used specifically for the mimi-ito (trim cord) which runs along the edge of the plates.  Since the cord is used more sparingly, less is needed, so we offer our chidori odoshi with smaller length options. 5 to 7 meters is often enough for an entire suit of samurai armor. Please note that because chidori odoshi has a unique weave pattern and less is produced, it is a little more costly.

Iron Mountain Armory is not currently able to offer odoshi maintenance directly, so we are offering our clients the ability to purchase odoshi for their own use. We offer 10mm wide odoshi in several colors and lengths, which you can order multiple quantities to meet your needs. Standard price is for 5 meters. Depending on lacing style, kebiki (closely spaced lacing) or sugake (simple hanging), the amount of lace is different.  The typical pair of sode (shoulder guards) require 2 to 5 meters. Shikoro (neck guard) can require 2 to 10 meters. A Do (cuirass)  can require 5 to 20 meters. A full suit 50 to 150 meters.

Iron Mountain Armory provides a very high quality, natural silk like cotton odoshi-ge which is lustrous as it is robust, easy to clean and perfect for re-lacing any Gendai (modern) reproduction samurai armor set.