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Post by tydrago on Dec 11, 2015 22:08:31 GMT
I've been looking like crazy and, of course, I've found plenty of crap but so far nothing I'd take to my dojo and actually TRAIN with. Any suggestions? 28" blade, less than 1 kg of weight (aluminum/zync alloy or stainless steel okay), unsharpened, preferably rounded edge. It's supposed to be a Christmas present... Thanks!
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Post by skane on Dec 11, 2015 22:57:48 GMT
As always, first place to start asking is sensei or other students in your dojo.
If you can't get an answer in your budget...
Checkout the sub $400 Tozandos. Check classifieds for used iaito. Hanwei Practical Iaito, and remount it.
Another option (if your dojo allows it) is to find a live blade katana w/bohi that handles nicely, and blunt it. I'm using a blunted Huawei 9260 with bohi and upgraded mounts. Makes loud tachikaze, handles great, and is tougher than alloy iaito. People I know using Tozando and Nosyuiaido iaito have tried it and liked it too.
If you train in Japan, go with the alloy iaito though... hth
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Dec 11, 2015 23:41:05 GMT
Like skane said, talk to your sensei or other senior students at your dojo for suggestions. Many sensei will not allow non-Japanese swords into their dojos - my Iaido sensei Kunio Miyake is one of them... he only allows Iaito made in Japan for junior students, and Japanese shinken only for advanced degree black belts. If you train in a dojo where the lineage of a sword isn't as strict, doing what skane did with his Huawei is a good option as well.
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Post by zabazagobo on Dec 15, 2015 23:27:12 GMT
I second what Skane and LG said. Certain sensei have very (perhaps annoyingly) strict ideas about acceptable instruments allowed in the dojo, so its best to ask before taking the plunge. If "made in Japan" isn't the criteria, Skane offered up some really good options based on my knowledge.
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Post by Krelian on Dec 17, 2015 5:55:37 GMT
Both YamatoBudogu.com and TozandoShop.com have models at less than $400 shipped. Great quality as well! The tricky part will be getting it before Christmas...
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Post by plainsman on Dec 23, 2015 22:22:40 GMT
I've been looking like crazy and, of course, I've found plenty of crap but so far nothing I'd take to my dojo and actually TRAIN with. Any suggestions? 28" blade, less than 1 kg of weight (aluminum/zync alloy or stainless steel okay), unsharpened, preferably rounded edge. It's supposed to be a Christmas present... Thanks! I'm looking for the same thing. What did you decide on?
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