4 comments about Black Boken Wood Practice Sword, Wooden Daito Training Katana.

1. Practice sword is of superior quality. For the price it cannot be beat!



2. This practice weapon handles very well and feels comfortable in my hands. Its weight in my hands is very comfortable. And I am able to execute all my movements easily with it.
   
   It is worth the price of purchase.



3. Bought a pair of these for my students too use. They are of good quality and well worth the price. The seller shipped them quickly and in good packaging. Highly recommend this product and this seller to everyone. I will be doing business with this seller for future martial arts equipment. Well done!!!



4. I didn't expect this to come with a laced grip on the hilt, though I don't mind too much. The bottom of the grip slips off every once in a while (nothing glue can't fix). All-in-all, this is a great tool for practicing swordsmanship. Though I haven't tried it in sparring, the sword works quite well for solo drills.

2 comments about Kendo Bamboo Shinai Practice Sword.

1. I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of this Shinai. I figured it would be poorly fitted because of the low price. However it exceeded my expectations. Many years ago, I played Kendo. I wish we had access to this quality shinai for the price back then!



2. well crafted excellentquality, made to take a lot of abuse size and weight fits very well with practice

5 comments about 2 Natural Bokens Wood Practice Swords, Wooden Daitos Training Katana.

1. I bought this just for fun to fight with and because i enjoy collecting martial arts training weapons. Although one came in worse condition than the other(minor spots and such) and noticeably lighter it does not feel as strong. It is still great in strength and very fun when chopping bushes for fun and breaking limbs of enemy ninjas if they try to ambush you. Great deal, i look soon into buying the delux white oak version.Deluxe White Oak Bokken



2. First of all, I want to say that boken are not meant for sparring. If you want to spar, then buy shinai instead. These are for solo practice, to build strength and technique. For that purpose, their quality is pretty good.
   
   The two that I received had slightly different weights, so they're not exactly interchangeable. The slight difference in weight can mess with your perception of your strength and you won't get the right feel if you interchange between them. Use one for proper practice, and the other as a spare or something.
   
   The tsuba, however, are useless pieces of trash. They don't properly fit, and you're better off without them. It's not like you need them anyway.
   
   The grip is completely wooden, so just be aware of that.
   
   Overall, I recommend this product because it's inexpensive and gets the job done. If you really want to improve your skills, I suggest trying out a suburito.



3. Ok, i didn't even buy the product, but the shipping is 10$!! Your not getting 2 for 1, your paying the same price!



4. Great quality, very strong wood, perfect shape and weight... I will keep buying these for practice



5. I have an 11 year old son who is facinated with Japanese culture and weaponry (who isn't?). I bought these for him to get a feel for Bokken and to possibly get him some higher end models when he gets used to using these. When I received them, they were more sturdy than I'd expected them to be. These bokken are very solid. I was basically expecting to receive a couple of "sticks", to be honest, but I was impressed with how these bokken look and feel.
   
   For the money, I would say that these are a very good buy. Especially if you are buying them for a child or young teen. I could see where they could possibly be cracked or broken of used in intense practice, but I think they would definitely hold up to some light sparring and technique practice.

5 comments about 1 Black and 1 Natural Wooden Bokens set of 2 Training Swords.

1. The items arrived pretty quickly and I was excited to get them so soon. However, being used to fine worksmanship, I was pretty disappointed with these. Both bokkens have lateral curves to them that become distracting when you are at a guard stance. The manufacturer (Made in Taiwan) didn't sand the wood (oak) well before they painted/varnished it so it looks and feel pretty unfinished and the grains stand out. If you're a martial arts purist, don't get this. Pay more and get a better one or make your own. This is basically a curved stick... not that there's anything wrong with that for basic practice.



2. These bokken are sweet. I haven't figured out why one is heavier than the other yet. However, they are perfect for your personal progression in practicing swordsmanship at home. If your ceiling is high enough of course. The ONLY con, and this is a cosmetic issue, is that the tsuba on the brown sword does not fit. Yes, you can improvise and reverse the other one for it, but then it is too low on the handle and doesnt give you enough hand space when wielding the sword. Other than that, I love them, particularly the heavy one. Good for muscle development and stamina. I hope you enjoy them too.



3. It came in perfect conditions, the heavier its the black one, the natural wooden whas kind of white and its lighter but not fragile. They are a great deal for the amount paid. The handguard (tsuba) its made of plastic and its made for you to be able to remove it. The only thing it's that some times the handguard loosens in the white one, but its not that bad.



4. Price is right and the basic sword is very well made and finished.
   That is what I was hoping for and what I got. Very good value.
   
   The only quibble I have is that the picture shows a "guard", which is a flimsy plastic piece that is a press fit on the handle. Just leave it off or put on your own custom decorative handle cover and guard (e.g. leather stripping) if you are so inclined.



5. These two swords are great, they can take a good beating and keep going. Visually they look great, the weight feels good. Great overall swords for practice.

5 comments about Reverse Blade Katana Black with Stand.

1. Bought it for the friend of our family. It was a big fun when we found out that the blade is on the wrong side, kind of peaceful Katana :D So, the friend had the desired sword but also his wish is still to become true to hold the real Katana someday :D.



2. This Katana is good at what it does. The reversed nature of the blade makes it safe to work with, and the reversed blade is not razor-sharp, all though it could be sharpened. I do not know if this blade has a full tang or not, but I will not be putting it through extreme duress. It does not have a point, but is rounded off, making this blade as safe as one could be and still could be considered a blade. The guard is a bit too wide to be comfortable, but that is just my personal geometry This blade itself seems of good quality. The blade was shipped promptly and arrived in great condition. The stand, as mentioned in other reviews, is of poor quality, but it is essentially a freebie that comes with the sword. In general a beutifal blade that would do wonderfully as a display or cosplay piece.



3. I happned to recieve this as a gift and i was suprised. from what they said it came days earlier than expected it's very well made it had a really nice shine to it after i wiped off that white stuff of the blade and i really liked that. The stand was pretty nice seemed a little smaller than expected but the sword still sits on there nicely. All in All other than the stand (which i won't complain cause its free) its a really good sword and well worth the price



4. This is a really awesome sword. I would recommend any weapon collector to add this sword to their collection! The reverse blade makes the sword very unique. Not only that, it reminds us of our Rurouni Kenshin hero, Kenshin Himura.
   When ever my friends come over, I would always show them this sword and impress them on how cool and unique the blade is.
   
   I would also recommend those who have the money to buy the carbon steel version of this knife for their collection.



5. it didn't fall apart like the kill bill one did when i pulled it out of the same box but its about the same quality.

5 comments about Kendo Shinai Traditional Japanese 42" Bamboo Practice Sword SET of 2.

1. I bought these for my teenager who loves them, mainly because he can goof off with them. They seem to be well made.



2. Nice and sturdy and great for a good workout if you're into the traditional forms. They kinda hurt to get with but, that's what the pads are for. Excellent!



3. Two shinais for the price of one. These are very light, but they seem to be just as durable as my heavier ones. My 12 year old son prefers them over my heavier more expensive models. The finish is less shiny and I wonder whether they would suffer if they got wet.



4. Right out of the box my daughter and I started playing around with these in the living room, not really going at it very hard and about 3 minutes into our light playing my daughter came at me with a swipe that broke the Shinai I was using clean in half. We just stared at each other for about 10 seconds. All I could do was assure her that she hadn't done anything wrong. Amazon was Excellent on the UPS pickup and return credit.
   
   I have used bamboo fighting sticks for years and I didn't think it could break like that. I have to assume these are made of some kind of bamboo substitute. Obviously, I wouldn't recommend.



5. Ok to start off, if this thing didn't come in as a set it would have been such a ripoff. Not only does it does it not give you tsubas (hand guards), it also falsely advertises them as being 47". What you get are two cheaply made 42" ones. When these things break, and I'm sure it will be soon, I'm definitely not buying these again.

5 comments about Solid Natural Wood Cord Wrapped Practice Boken Daito Sword.

1. Please beware that the picture DOES NOT represent what you receive! I purposely selected this boken for the Natural Wood Cord wrapped handle with a dark tsuba and band to match the rest of my set. The only part of what I received that is similar to the picture is the dark cord wrapping. The boken itself was a stained much darker than pictured and the accompanying tsuba and band were tan/white respectively.



2. I needed sword props for a school performance project and the items were just perfect for my needs. The swords were more than I expected. The wood finish quality was exceptional, and especially the wrapped cording for the handles. I would recommend this product to others.



3. Even if it is not meant for contact, good bokken can withstand hits. I ordered mine from e-bogu and have hit solid ice and trees thousands of times without a single crack in my bokken. It only chipped very slightly when I accidentally rammed it into the asphalt once (which I would expect), but still can withstand getting pounded against trees no problem.
   
   If this thing really does break after one hit, then it's clearly poor craftsmanship.



4. This bokken has a good feel to it but it's much lighter than the other one that I bought Single 40" Dragon Datio Bokken Kendo Practice Sword.
   
   The guard is nice, but it's not like the one pictured, it is a simple rubber band type that does not extend outwards on to the guard as shown. Also, the color on the one I received is much different. It is darker, like a wooden desk with varnish, but I still like it. Maybe it's just the seller, who knows: [...]
   
   Here are the dimensions, the hilt is 10" (0.25" more than the Dragon bokken), and the blade is 28" (1" less than the Dragon bokken), with an overall length of 38.25" (Dragon bokken is 39", an inch shorter than the advertised length).



5. The Bokken arrived well protected and is intact. It feels solid and has a good weight its definitely good for practice I haven't hit anything, neither do I intend to so for impact resistance I can only say it looks like it can take some beating. Blade is 29.5" in length.

5 comments about 40" Red Kendo Wooden Bokken Practice Samurai Sword Katana.

1. This is an ok practice product. Don't imagine you will be getting a work of master craftsmanship. The main marvel here is that mass produced components could be jammed together in the form of something roughly useful. Forget about the plastic hand guard, by the way. It doesn't fit. And the edge on the wooden blade is so rounded that only sheer bludgening force could make it useful in a real fight.
   
   ...Which, I suppose, is one of the functions of a practice sword. But then, if harmlessness is really the point, wood would hardly be the ideal material.
   
   It's heavy, I'll give it that.
   
   Overall, my impression of this produce is, it's cheap. Not 'bad', though.



2. The real item given to me is completely different than the one depicted on the picture. I isn't all that shiny, and the shape is a little distorted, but now I'm just nit-picking. The paint is thick, and it dents very easily when practicing. The grip will slip off when handling it towards the bottom, which is how kendo sticks should be practiced as. The guard will also become a problem, and irritate the wrist after a while.



3. Well, to start, I should point out that I paid less than ten bucks for this, and had no intention of using it for any reason other than messing around. The sword was not red as the picture showed it to be, but I didn't really want a red one so it worked out. The sword came with a chip/crack in the tip, and that grew a bit when i dropped it on the cement outside. But again, I just wanted to play with it. The crack is only an aesthetic problem - its still sturdy and can take a decent beating. Its really pretty awesome - not too heavy, not really light. Like I said, its really sturdy and can take a beating. It looks awesome, most people don't notice the crack in the top anyway. Basically, if you're wondering whether or not to buy it, buy it. Yes you can get a better wooden sword, but for less than ten bucks this sword is more than worth it.



4. Looks great! and it is not to light as I thought it would be. I loke it very much, and looks great.



5. we used these swords in our Japanese play and they were so sturdy and beautiful! still look like new after many stage performance fights. well worth the money.

5 comments about Forza The Samurai Sword Workout by Ilaria Montagnani.

1. This book describes a different exercise routine. If the author's physique is due entirely to Forza; then it certainly works. No muscle popping extreme weights. No funky dance routines either. You work with a practice (wood or plastic) katana, called a bokken, and the moves are based upon kendo moves...without the formalism of that martial art. Without the need for blow-absorbing uniforms. Without the hitting for that matter.
   Ilaria, the author and originator, emphasizes the importance of the isometric aspects of bringing the bokken to a sudden stop at a precise point on your imaginary opponent.
   Susan and I have been working with this book for a few weeks now and it has certainly captured our interest. The book is divided into the expected sections; 14 basic exercises, 7 advanced exercises that combine 3 or more basic exercises into something closer to a routine, and 7 longer routines. Provide your own music.
   There are two points that Ilaria doesn't bring out that have struck me. The first is that this has to be a superior workout if you are at all serious about any sport where grip is important to skill. Shouldn't matter whether it's golf, tennis, or bullseye pistol shooting. Every minute of Forza involves the gripping of the bokken with both hands. And you are likely to be using a serious grip if you are like me; it's almost impossible to not imagine that your "sword" is about to impact something hard and unyielding.
   The second is that this should be applicable to the wheelchair and walker crowd with just a little bit of modification. Our Cold Steel brand bokken weigh less than 1.5 pounds each and that is held in both hands. Just think, granny arms could become extinct!
   This book has 4 stars instead of 5 because I suspect there is an error in the description of one of the basic routines. The textual description simply doesn't match the pictures.



2. As a method of learning the sword, it leaves something to be desired. As an a workout, it is excellent. It's a good way to interest people in the sword arts, a very gentle introduction.



3. Forza is a great cool down workout. I use it to warm up or cool down from other workouts. You do feel a bit in the shoulders but otherwise it is more of a relaxing workout. I know alot of people dig the yoga stuff so if you do but want something a bit more in motion; this is most likely a fit.
   
   I would also recommend to LARP kids and people who are wanting to get started in working out but are worried about early failure do to intensity. The reason is, it doesn't get the heart rate up too high but does work the body and would make a great spring board exercise routine. For LARP players, its a workout that involves sword swinging muscles and works them repeatedly so you are less likely to grow tired while beating on your best friend.
   
   Now for the down side, the DVD menu is like a bad bootleg as was already mentioned. Thats about all that needs to be said there.
   
   Second, if you already know a martial arts: DON'T BOTHER. Nothing in this will sharpen an already developed style. Coming from a Tai Chi sword background, I find it difficult to perform her unexplained stance and grip. If you don't know anything about sword fighting, don't worry about this. If you do, she goes very little into stance and nothing into hold of the weapon. This is fine because she is doing an aerobic routine and not teaching sword techniques. I just find myself wondering if my hips and bellybutton are in the right place when it is not part of what she is trying to teach. All my flaw, not hers. I expect others to have the same problem.
   
   Lastly, the workout is not hard. If you are a workout nut and want to up your ability.... not it. If you want something different but with the same level of intensity... not it. If you want a cool down or an off day workout - GET IT! It's a long slow workout and has its place, just not as a replacement to your current workout.



4. I have owned this video for a while now and to be honest it has just sat on a shelf until a few days ago. I re-entered the martial arts and while I am in pretty good shape I realize that there are differences in "martial" fitness and the weight lifting a running I do routinely. I needed to start preparing those seldom used muscles that enable one to lift a bokken for kenjutsu. I pulled this out of the book case and popped it in the player and off I went.....or so I thought. This workout is a butt kicker. As I stated before I am in good shape and this DVD is a smoker!!! By the end I was hitting only every other technique and my back and shoulders and arms were seemingly on fire.There WILL be muscle soreness so be forwarned!! I reiterate what was already presented in previous reviews that this is NOT in any to be taken as instruction in kenjutsu, kendo, or iaido!! It is a unique and interesting approach to excersize. It will not grow huge muscles but it is a great cardio routine and will tone and strengthen the aforementioned muscles. I do this on my non-run days for cardio. SO do NOT take it to seriously,enjoy the workout,bring water and keep the pause button close. Above all have FUN with it and work hard and there will be results!! I purchased this off Amazon and as I remember the shipping was fast and hassle free.



5. I simply love Ilaria! She is the essence of elegance and feminine strength. Her workout is amazing as well as challenging. I am committed to this now, and have felt more confidence and empowerment in my daily life.
   I am 41 now, and stronger than I have ever been. I would recommend this for every woman to try.

5 comments about Black Cord Wrapped Boken Daito Wood Practice Sword.

1. I need a good look sword for a Bleach costume but because i wanted to use it a Con. i had to get a wooded sword. It came in great time and i had alot of fun playing with it. on halloween everyone loved it. but i noticed something my dad loved using it a play with it. so soon after holloween my dad all of sudden bought him one and he said that he was going to "Beat my ass with this" and now my an him are learning how to use them. now the sword are used for what they were made for......kicking BOTH of are asses
   
   ps they really hurt when you get hit by one and the other person doesn't know what his doing -.-



2. This is a typical wooden practice sword as differentiated from a fencing sword. It has a cord wrapped handle, not necessary but aesthetically pleasing. This practice weapon is used in kata, and somewhat more closely resembles a steel blade Samurai sword than plain wood bokken.



3. It is a very good quality bokken, it was $6.07 when I bought it. It has engravings on the side that run verticle, so if you want to mount it, it will need to be put verticle with the blade down. Also the hand gaurd is loose, but can be easily removed. The seller for this when I bought it was abctoy4me and it was stolen in transit. UPS said they couldn't do anything about it even though they delivered an empty package. I called abctoy4me also and they sent a new one for withought charging anything extra. So I say the bokken is worth much more than I paid for and abctoy4me was very polite.



4. First, this is an excellent value for the price. However, having said that, I have to say this is probably best used as a non-contact practice sword. I don't know what type of wood it is made from, but it doesn't seem heavy enough to be oak. The blade has some irregularities in it, like the wood was scooped out slightly with a spoon. It also has oriental characters carved into the blade. The characters are highlighted with gold paint, giving the sword a very nice appearance. However, I fear all of these will contribute to weaken the blade. The plastic retaining ring was too loose, and I had to glue it onto the sword to keep the tsuba in place.
   
   The cord wrapping and the detail on the tsuba make this an attractive piece. I could certainly recommend it for doing kata, but not for anything where it meets firm resistance, such as against another sword. I would certainly buy this item again for the use I intended for it. For the money, it is a good value.



5. I purchased this for use in a school presentation on Confucianism. I wasn't expecting much for only $12 so I was surprised how nicely it was crafted. My only complaint is that it has a very strong chemical smell that can fill up an entire room. This took a few months to go away.