The Samekawa or "shark skin" is the part under the Tsukaito. Despite being called a "Samekawa", and because shark hunting isn't really a thing nowadays, stingray skin is used instead. Its main purpose is to keep the Tsukaito in place and to reinforce the Tsuka structure. The same is sanded and polished in order to produce a durable high-quality type of leather.
On live blades (Shinken) mount, the Same is a "Maki Same" wrapped around the Tsuka wood. However, for cost reasons, Iaito Tsuka are made with two rectangular pieces of same embedded in the Tsuka. This is called Tanzaku-same, it will come in 2 strips (Width: ~21 mm, Length: ~280 mm). 

Please note that we do not offer this product in black or red. The painting has to be done on your end.