Minosaka Custom Higo Koshirae Iaito
Dec 6, 2010 4:57:11 GMT
Post by Ari M. on Dec 6, 2010 4:57:11 GMT
Introduction
Tozando has a line of semi-custom 'Minosaka' brand iaito which I've eyed for a while. Minosaka iaito are sold by various other online vendors but Tozando has the most reasonable prices as well as lots of options. The iaito in this line varies in price and each has a specific fuchi and kashira theme, but you can choose the blade and tsuka length as well as the hamon and other fittings. I ordered the 'Higo Koshirae', which costs about $515US with base options. It's definitely worth it to at least upgrade to the silk wrap and sageo however. I paid $660 for mine after silk and tsuba options. Shipping was free because of their Christmas special on all iaito.
I've made small purchases at Tozando in the past and they've always given me the highest quality service and this time was no different. Communication is quick and pleasant and early on they accommodated changes to my order several times without issue. The iaito took about two weeks to make, they emailed me the tracking number, and it arrived several days later.
Historical Overview
Iaito usually refer to blunt alloy swords designed specifically for iai practice. They're an affordable alternative to authentic Japanese swords and are used widely in Japan and elsewhere. Good quality iaito look and feel like real swords, but are usually weighted towards the handle to minimize repetitive wrist strain. The blades are cast from alloys such as zinc/aluminium and then chrome-plated. They're easy to care for as they don't rust but must never be used to cut or hit any object.
Initial Impressions
Construction quality is fantastic, which one would expect from a Japanese-made iaito. All parts fit properly without any rattle or movement, the wrap is excellent, and the fit of the saya in particular is very well done and grips the habaki perfectly with no rattle. The blade is cast well with virtually no flaws. The fittings are finished well with a few imperfections. This is to be expected with iaito in this price range which overwhelmingly uses mass-produced, hand-finished fittings. I've been using a heavy-weight iaito and this lighter iaito feels much better to swing about.
Taking the tsuka off the first time was difficult because of the tightness of the wrap. The tsuka is shimmed as well as inside the habaki along the ha and mune. The mekugi is staged and angled, but this is a non-issue in an alloy iaito.
A dark-navy sword bag was included. I don't really like it as the weave feels rather coarse but it does a fine job.
Statistics
Nagasa: 2.55 shaku
Tsuka: 8.5 sun
Overall length without saya: 106 cm
Weight without saya: 826 g
Components
The mokko-style tsuba is steel with a deep black finish, with copper and brass studs depicting the Hosokawa kamon, and vertical scratch patterns. It has been peened to fit the nakago perfectly. The fuchi and kashira are Higo-style antiqued copper-plated brass with a ivy tendrils. The menuki are also copper-plated brass depicting the same mon as on the tsuba. The black silk wrap is done excellently with near-perfect diamonds and good end-knots, as well as impeccable tightness throughout. The samegawa are decent quality panels. The habaki is shonai-style in antiqued brass. The seppa are copper and were originally finished in black. I've taken it down to bare copper.
The saya is finished in matte black. The finish is excellent with no flaws, and the black silk sageo is very tightly woven. The kojiri is slightly rounded. As with most iaito the saya has no horn parts; a plastic material have been used in the koiguchi and kojiri, and the kurigata is just wood. As previously mentioned it fits the blade perfectly.
The blade has a suguha hamon pattern and there are no casting flaws. A bo hi runs along the length and it makes a nice sound when swung. It looks very slender and beautiful. It even has a geometric yokote, which I did not at all expect.
Handling Characteristics
Being a beginner in iai I can't comment too extensively on how this iaito handles. I can say though that it feels wonderful to train with this iaito. It's about 170 grams lighter than my heavy-weight iaito and that makes all the difference.
Conclusions
I'm very happy with my new iaito. I'd also unreservedly recommend Tozando to anyone looking to buy iaito and other gear. When I was first shopping around for iaito there were some negative comments about Tozando and the Minosaka brand iaito which made me avoid them, but after seeing and handling this and a few others in person I can say that they are of high quality and are priced reasonably. And I'm sure that if i have had any issues, Tozando would right them without any hassle.
I hope this review is of some use to anyone looking for iaito. Thanks for reading, Aristya
Pros:
- High quality construction
- Beautiful appearance
- Designed for iai
Cons:
- Standard weight models might be a bit light for bigger people