5 comments about 72" Hardwood Jo Staff.

1. I was pleased with how promptly the jo arrived after I ordered it.
   The finish on the staff was not something I desired, plus it was a little rough, so I sanded the staff down and oiled it. It is heavier than the practice staffs at my dojo, and I enjoy that. When I brought in my staff everyone remarked what a great staff it was, where I bought it and how much it was. Best purchase I've made in a while, just needs some sanding.



2. Very lightweight, fragile, and poorly finished. Not sure what the "hardwood" actually is. It looks oak-like, but is far too lightweight for it's size. It came a bit rough and splintery and only got worse over time. The lacquer or whatever it is that they finished it with developed spiderweb cracks almost immediately and then began to flake off. I only used it for kata; didn't feel safe actually hitting anything with it let alone using it to defend against a weapon for tandem drills. After a few months of very little use, mostly sitting on the rack, it began to develop cracks. Perhaps it wasn't dried properly when they applied the finish? Regardless, the one I received (50" model) was cheap junk. You get what you pay for... Not only not recommended, but downright dangerous if you hit anything with it. Spend a little more to get better quality.



3. This was exactly what i expected and came in less that a week. Very happy.



4. This bo staff is very solid. A little heavier than I expected but works great for Bo Staff drills. Received promptly and in great condition.



5. I ordered the 72" version of this Jo staff and was very surprised at just how durable it appeared to be. Placing it atop a stool, I was able to put a considerable amount of pressure against this thin looking piece of wood, without any damage whatsoever. I would highly recommend this staff to anyone, who thinks that it will actually see real martial arts action.

No comments about Black Hardwood Karate Bo Staff - 5 ft..

1 comments about 6 Foot Bo Staff w/ Cord Grip.

1. The class opened up to gails of laughter at this two by four I was swinging. I didn't know if I looked like a martial artist or a shepherd. I think my sensei would have had more respect for me if I was swinging a loaded bed pan at him. I went ahead and finished the class with this Arkansas death implement. Although its great to make you look like youve lost weight because I looked like a grass hopper swinging a sequoia tree making my stature look rather lillipution in comparison to the neanderthal club I was wielding. The wake of air that followed it after each swing did send women and children and small farm animals clammering for safety. But, you better bring a back up because an eighty year old man will be faster than you trying to swing this hedge post.

5 comments about 54" Hardwood Jo Staff - 54 inches.

1. I was pleased with how promptly the jo arrived after I ordered it.
   The finish on the staff was not something I desired, plus it was a little rough, so I sanded the staff down and oiled it. It is heavier than the practice staffs at my dojo, and I enjoy that. When I brought in my staff everyone remarked what a great staff it was, where I bought it and how much it was. Best purchase I've made in a while, just needs some sanding.



2. Very lightweight, fragile, and poorly finished. Not sure what the "hardwood" actually is. It looks oak-like, but is far too lightweight for it's size. It came a bit rough and splintery and only got worse over time. The lacquer or whatever it is that they finished it with developed spiderweb cracks almost immediately and then began to flake off. I only used it for kata; didn't feel safe actually hitting anything with it let alone using it to defend against a weapon for tandem drills. After a few months of very little use, mostly sitting on the rack, it began to develop cracks. Perhaps it wasn't dried properly when they applied the finish? Regardless, the one I received (50" model) was cheap junk. You get what you pay for... Not only not recommended, but downright dangerous if you hit anything with it. Spend a little more to get better quality.



3. This was exactly what i expected and came in less that a week. Very happy.



4. This bo staff is very solid. A little heavier than I expected but works great for Bo Staff drills. Received promptly and in great condition.



5. I ordered the 72" version of this Jo staff and was very surprised at just how durable it appeared to be. Placing it atop a stool, I was able to put a considerable amount of pressure against this thin looking piece of wood, without any damage whatsoever. I would highly recommend this staff to anyone, who thinks that it will actually see real martial arts action.

5 comments about Cold Steel Knives Skull Head City Stick, Fiberglass Handle, 37.63 In..

1. I recently purchased the skull City Stick..I had no real reason to buy this other than because it was a neat item, but I am impressed.. I remember reading about these canes when they first came out and one complaint was that the fiberglass shaft was hollow and the finish was supposedly too glossy and could have blemishes. Well Cold Steel must have listened to the complaints because this thing is redesigned and both issues are fixed. The finish is a very nice primer black color and mine was perfect. I even pulled off the rubber tip and the shaft appears to have been filled in with epoxy..I know in a past review a owner mentioned inserting a wood dowel in the shaft, but it appears Cold Steel now seals it with epoxy. Even the top section that the head screws onto looks different than the one in the ColdSteel webpage..It appears in the past that it was a steel sleeve that fit over the shaft..Now the sleeve is inserted securely into the shaft AND has a pin thru-and-thru to ensure it does not spin loose when tightening the head and it is strong and secure. The fiberglass was well finished and very cleanly cut. The skull is pretty cool looking and the weight distribution was better than I expected.. It is obviously head heavy, but I was afraid it would be overly light in the cane area,not too bad actually ...The shaft is nice and solid feeling..The complaint about the tip being kinda hard plastic is true, but this is not really a medical cane anyway. If I really needed a cane and wanted this style design I would pick the lighter micarta head or smaller steel head anyway..
   
   I do wish it were possible to purchase the different heads individually since the Micarta head would probably balance this perfectly, but the skull is just too darn cool not to own..If I ever sprain my ankle I am gonna bust this bad boy out at the first chance..
   
   Overall I am very happy and impressed with the product



2. I recently purchased the skull City Stick..I had no real reason to buy this other than because it was a neat item, but I am impressed.. I remember reading about these canes when they first came out and one complaint was that the fiberglass shaft was hollow and the finish was supposedly too glossy and could have blemishes. Well Cold Steel must have listened to the complaints because this thing appears redesigned and both issues are fixed. The finish is a very nice primer black color and mine was perfect. I even pulled off the rubber tip and the shaft appears to be filled in with epoxy..I know in a past review a owner mentioned inserting a wood dowel in the shaft, but it appears Cold Steel now seals it with epoxy. Even the top section that the head screws onto looks different than the one in the ColdSteel webpage..In that picture it was a steel sleeve that fit over the shaft..On mine the sleeve is inserted securely into the shaft AND has a pin thru-and-thru to ensure it does not spin loose when tightening the head and it is very strong and secure. The fiberglass was well finished and very cleanly cut and finished, to the point that I was impressed since it would not even be seen unless you removed the head. The skull is pretty cool looking and the weight distribution was better than I expected.. It is obviously head heavy, but I was afraid it would be overly light in the cane area,not too bad actually ...The shaft is nice and solid feeling..The complaint about the tip being kinda hard plastic is true, but this is not really a medical cane anyway. If I really needed a cane and wanted this style design I would put on a real rubber tip and switch out the skull for the lighter micarta head or the smaller steel head..
   
   I do wish it were possible to purchase the different heads individually since the Micarta head would probably balance this perfectly, but the skull is just too darn cool not to own..If I ever sprain my ankle I am gonna bust this bad boy out at the first chance..
   
   Overall I am very happy and impressed with the product and based on my evaluation this thing would easily handle cane use of a very heavy poundage person without fear of breaking.. People love the skull head and the cane really looks so much less intrusive and obvious than the typical "old man cane" and no one can see the skull when your walking with it... just FYI,,Due to the skull and the heavy head weight you might get a bit more scrutiny at airports/high security areas than the old wood cane, but you will look pretty darn cool with it..



3. elegant and beautifully made and VERY solid. Sticks end piece could be better - I had to buy a proper one from the pharmacy. Great product.



4. Over time, the outer layer chips off rather badly and yes, you need proper rubber cane tip, but it is useful as a weight-bearing cane if neccessary (i.e. you need a cane to walk with either for weakness or maintaining your balance. Luckily, the length is just right for me at 37.5" with the new rubber tip. You can shorten it to the desired length, with a hack saw. And that is why it's no big deal to buy your own rubber tip, if it had one permantly attached you would very likely saw it off. Inspect the tip often and if it wears out, replace it, to prevent slipping.
   If when you walk with it, you see your shoulder rising and falling, with the motion of the stick, it's too long. If you are tilted a bit, to the cane side, its too short. Turn it up side down, and have a friend hold the cane next to your arm. Wear your regular shoes for this, and at the crease in your wrist, have your friend mark it for length, with the new rubber tip, allow about an eigth of an inch if the cane cut off point won't allow the tip to remain in place. If you often wear shoes that are substantially different heights, you'll need another cane, adjust that one for a particular shoe. If you are worried abot cutting the city stick too short, buy an adjustable cane at the drugstore and get that right first. you may prefer a lighter cane. Strong, agile people can use a longer cane particularly going down a stair. If that describes you and you have a staircase you go up and down, cut the cane longer. It is boring to say so, but it is true, you can cut more off if you left it a bit long but you can't put it back.
   Far more serious than a cane tip is a need for a cane leash, a loop of leather or nylon to hold the stick when you need to use the hand holding the cane. The standard is a loop of nylon with a stretch loop at the cane end, but this cane has a lot of taper, so it may be too big at the top. I used leather, and cut holes through it, so I could make a loop, that is tight enough to stay up,when you are not holding it. Maybe if you are more flexible than I am you can reach down and grab a loop at the bottom, but in my current state, I cannot.
   I am toying with filling in the surface and repainting mine. If you want to lean it against a wall or table, it's better to place it head down so it will have less chance of falling (and damaging a floor tile when it hits). Waiters and waitresses seem to find a cane confusing and difficult, I got tired of them tipping over it and knocking it down, so I often stand it in the corner of the booth or hang it by the loop of an empty seat at the table.
   Makes a useful "formal" cane, but not quite formal enough for Fred Astaire, in a Top Hat and tails. Good luck, and be careful.



5. When I fractured my left foot in November, 2007, my orthopaedist recommended that I use a cane to keep excessive pressure off of my foot until it healed. I decided to go all out and purchase a City Stick, and I am sure glad I did. The 11-layer fiberglass, along with the steel grip and durable rubber end cap sure helped me out a lot when I had to go up the stairs in my house, or walk from my car to my office. I am grateful to have made a full recovery, and of course I would rather not need a cane at all, but when I did, Cold Steel supplied me with a great, durable product. I used it for 6 weeks, and it never faltered under my 265 pound frame. The price was good too, considering the no-compromise quality of this product. Needless to say, I am a satisfied customer, and will surely do business with Cold Steel again if I can ever make use of any of the other product they offer.

No comments about Elite Competition Bo - Blue.

5 comments about 50" Hardwood Jo Staff - 50 inches.

1. I was pleased with how promptly the jo arrived after I ordered it.
   The finish on the staff was not something I desired, plus it was a little rough, so I sanded the staff down and oiled it. It is heavier than the practice staffs at my dojo, and I enjoy that. When I brought in my staff everyone remarked what a great staff it was, where I bought it and how much it was. Best purchase I've made in a while, just needs some sanding.



2. Very lightweight, fragile, and poorly finished. Not sure what the "hardwood" actually is. It looks oak-like, but is far too lightweight for it's size. It came a bit rough and splintery and only got worse over time. The lacquer or whatever it is that they finished it with developed spiderweb cracks almost immediately and then began to flake off. I only used it for kata; didn't feel safe actually hitting anything with it let alone using it to defend against a weapon for tandem drills. After a few months of very little use, mostly sitting on the rack, it began to develop cracks. Perhaps it wasn't dried properly when they applied the finish? Regardless, the one I received (50" model) was cheap junk. You get what you pay for... Not only not recommended, but downright dangerous if you hit anything with it. Spend a little more to get better quality.



3. This was exactly what i expected and came in less that a week. Very happy.



4. This bo staff is very solid. A little heavier than I expected but works great for Bo Staff drills. Received promptly and in great condition.



5. I ordered the 72" version of this Jo staff and was very surprised at just how durable it appeared to be. Placing it atop a stool, I was able to put a considerable amount of pressure against this thin looking piece of wood, without any damage whatsoever. I would highly recommend this staff to anyone, who thinks that it will actually see real martial arts action.

No comments about FOAM BO.

2 comments about 50" Hardwood Bo Staff.

1. As a Martial Arts expert, and former instructor, this is a good, light-weight practice/training bo-staff. However; for actual stick fighting combat, I would recomend at least, a 1&1/4 inch circumference stick!



2. I'm a fan of this product. Mine has now been through over a month of use and still looks and feels brand new. This is excellent for solo practice and the finish gives it a comfortable feel, thumbs up for tiger-claw. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because with a five star product; I'd like to be able to use it for full contact sparring. The staff isn't thick enough for that, but with this price the quality is nonetheless hard to beat.

5 comments about 72" Hardwood Bo Staff (+$5.00 Extra S & H).

1. This is a nice, six-foot hardwood bo. It is appropriate for traditional martial arts practice and a good weight. I have not had any problems with it.



2. I ordered this product for use in an English quarterstaff class. Although it's a little short for my ideal quarterstaff length (7' would be better), it's otherwise pretty close to perfect. It has a wider diameter than the rattan bo staves that some of my fellow classmates have, which makes it both more historically accurate and more comfortable to hold. It's extremely sturdy, and the red oak has plenty of weight and momentum. The finish is smooth enough that I don't worry about splinters during grip-sliding exercises, and only has a couple of small flaws. It's only been heavily used in one class so far, so I can't testify to how much punishment it will take in the long term.
   
   If this staff has a flaw, it's that it's *too* nice; this thing is a weapon, and shouldn't be mistaken for anything else. It's a joy to use, but practice with care.



3. This is a fine, very sturdy oak bo. The only caveat would be that the diameter of this bo makes it more suitable for larger hands. But otherwise, a great staff.



4. Mine broke within the first hour of use, and I was being very gentle. These look good, but are very brittle.



5. I am into fighting of all sorts and i was really interested in the Bo Staff seeing this as a good thick staff i ordered it. I was not disappointed not only is it beautiful thick and Durable it is a piece of work. I just tested trying to break it by applying all my weight on it and could not even make it budge it does bend and thats good and it is A good weight. just as something to show off or train with its a great piece of wood.