This superb, heavy L7+ Appalachian hickory is a rare example of its kind. The makers mark of the Kingfisher WoodWorks founder and wood selection indicates a probable production date of the early 2000s.
It has a pronounced saki-zori curvature, a design modeled after swords with a more forward oriented sweep, one which assists in single drawing/cutting motion—this in contrast to most Kingfisher designs with a koshi-zori or torii-zori curve.
Its impressive weight of 28.5oz and front oriented balance gives it a very heavy-hitting feel. There is a smooth transitional step from tsuka to blade, indicative of bokken not intended to accept a tsuba (hand guard).
Mineral streaks visible on reverse side of bokken and point. These are visible uptakes in individual wood pores, often seen in higher density wood.
The inscription 彎 月, wangetsu, or literally "bent moon", would be typically read to mean "crescent moon", with the interesting use of the first kanji 彎, having many of the same connotations of the English word, bent.
Overall length 42 1/2"
Weight 28.5 oz
Stand not included
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