You should not select a Tsuba(handguard) based simply on how well it will prevent you from getting cut. Further, a thick undecorated hand guard should be rejected out of hand.
When selecting a hand guard ensure that there are some decorative holes that pass all the way through it. A strong blow from an opponent’s sword striking a solid mass of metal without any holes may cause the vibrations to crack the pin holding the handle together. However, too many openings will result in blood dripping over your hand.
Tsukahara Bokuden | The Hundred Rules of War
This is rule is number 25 in The Hundred Rules of War.
Tsukahara Bokuden was a samurai born in 1489. He fought in 37 battles and 19 duels. It’s said that he killed 212 in battle. Similar to Miyamoto Musashi, he wrote The Hundred Rules of War(also known as Lessons Left to Us by Bokuden) near his death, as Musashi wrote The Dokkodo his 21 rule for life.
Musashi was borne 95 years after Bokuden.
You have many options when choosing the type and color of your armour but in the end it is best to have something easy to handle. There is nothing wrong with powerfully colored thread or leather but your armour should be easy to put on and take off. There is a lot of debate over the relative merits and demerits of wearing armor directly against bare skin. They say if you are too careful it will result in injury.
Tsukahara Bokuden | The Hundred Rules of War
This is rule 44 in The Hundred Roles of War.
Functional Aesthetics are ideal in all situations.