maintenance for bokuto?

[mystic_kendoka]

is any maintenance needed for a bokuto? coz it doesnt seem as important or as complex as a shinai...

[R A Sosnowski]

is any maintenance needed for a bokuto? coz it doesnt seem as important or as complex as a shinai...

In general, no. However, in my book, maintenance of a bokuto is as important as shinai maintenance - it is a direct reflection on the user.

A bare wood bokuto uses the natural oils from handling, so there is no need to oil it per se. However, do inspect it regularly for splinters or cracks - splinters need to be removed, sanding down the wood to smooth it out, while cracks usually mean time for a new bokuto.

HTH.

[mystic_kendoka]

my bokuto is made of japanese white hardwood, its surprisingly cheap (7 euros)... and im kinda worried it was too cheap, because throughout the non-blade side, there are small holes, almost cracks... im not sure if this is because its cheap or its supposed to be like this... any suggestions?

[Neil Gendzwill]

If you like, you can treat your bokuto with a high-quality lemon oil like Circa 1854. But many people leave them untreated and have no trouble. Just check for damage before each use.

[Paul Kerr]

For good quality white oak: sand it lightly when you get it take off the laquer. Oiling is not needed. Let your hands work in a nice "grip" on the tsuka over time. Check for splinters regularly and sand if needed.
Avoid red oak if you're doing any kind of contact work - they break easy.

[R A Sosnowski]

my bokuto is made of japanese white hardwood, its surprisingly cheap (7 euros)... and im kinda worried it was too cheap, because throughout the non-blade side, there are small holes, almost cracks... im not sure if this is because its cheap or its supposed to be like this... any suggestions?

It's difficult to say without seeing the bokuto. But the price, material and "defects" make it a suspect item for sure.

I have noticed in recent years that the quality of "Japanese white oak" has been on the decline, and cheaper materials have also appeared with names that sound like "Jwo." Currently 7 euros = ~US$8. In my experience, this is too inexpensive to be a quality item. FYI, it is not a bokuto that I would allow people training with me to be used for any contact work at all.

I suggest having someone with experience, like your instructor, look at for evaluation.

YMMV.