The Enhanced Shinto Bokken is 40" long with a 10.75" tsuka. It has a moderate torii zori curvature and, with its medium, well balanced proportions, has a feeling of quickness and maneuverability. This wooden sword is representative of a classical interpretation of live blade transposed into wood. The shape, proportions and weight of the shinto bokken are probably the closest to the ideal shape of the Tokugawa era and arguably, the closest to a "standard" design.
Kendoka: If you'd like this bokken proportioned according to the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF), 24cm - 9.44" tsuka, 102cm - 40.16" overall, write "AJKF proportions" in the comment text box.
The defining feature of this weapon is its grace and classic lines but the Kingfisher enhanced version is ultra hard, heavy, dent resistant, strong and stable due to the enhancement process whereby acrylic resin is drawn completely through the structure of the wood. The weight is approximately 23 oz (650gm). Like other enhanced weapons, its properties are achieved by the wood and not through over sizing its proportions to achieve necessary weight and strength. Since acrylic has replaced the interstitial spaces within the wood, no finish is required or recommended other than simple buffing or a light coat of paste wax.
The enhanced Shinto bokken will have some variations in color natural to the wood. While the images provided reflect the quality, polish and refinement of the weapon, there will be differences in colors beyond our control.
These weapons are extremely tough and the user is cautioned to exercise reasonable restraint as they are entirely capable of causing damage to partner's weapons if used recklessly.
Hi Brad I received the bokken and OH MY GOD, it is beautiful I almost don't want to use it, it looks so good. The jo and tanto are awesome too. One question on the bamboo tsuba, when I try to fit it, it got to 3/4 of the length of where it's supposed to be at the beginning of the tsuka. I didn't want to jam it in there forcefully, so is there a proper technique to install the tsuba? I'm assuming that I put an o-ring on each side of the tsuba. Makers response-Thanks so much! Tsuba are custom fit to individual bokken. They are intended to be a little snug at first however, they will seat into the transition ramp after a bit of use.
Hello, I'm mailing you to let you know i received the 42" aikiken i ordered near the beginning of the month. it is of the best quality i've ever seen. awesome, awesome sword, thank you! the grain on the chisel top is wild, changing color from light to dark with movement and the patterns within the wood make me feel like i'm handling a much more expensive piece of art. i hope to take care of it well enough to hand it down to my children! i can't wait to order another one of your wooden weapons. hopefully soon! - Andrew