This is weird !!!! new iaito !!!

[loki88]

I have just received my new iaito. Because i am on a very tight budget is shopped around and found Eurobogu.net. It is a non-commercial VZW (they can't under law make a profit) in Belgium. As i browsed thu there website wich is rather basic i found an iaido in the Tokujo range. It was 200 Euro = 241 Dollar, apparently they get there gear direct from Koei Budogu in Japan. Then i did a search and found the same iaito on Ninecircles. Same Iaito but it costst 331 pound = 606 Dollar !!!! Same sword on the sisterstore of Eurobogu 255 Dollar. I ordered it and Three days later it was delivered to my door by Parcelpost. No shippingcost, no taxes, nothing !!!! I expected not much for this amount but it's a very nice brand NEW iaito, perfectly in order, examined by the seller. VERY NICE. So i am still wondering where's the catch? It seems to be the same sword as on Bogubag and the Koei website. Apparently they ship from Japan by EMS to everyone in the IKF range for free ( even South Africa) , u will only pay taxes. Same for Bogubag in the States. And the best part is that they can order everything in the Koeicatalog even when it's not on their website. Anyone any comment as feedback?

Tom

[loki88]

More specifications on the iaito:
-2.5 shaku Shinogi-zukuri style, with Hi, Ihori Mune, Komari Boshi, No Hada( http://forums.swordforum.com/images/smilies/eek.gif , it's aloy remember),Sugu Hamon( straight), medium Kissaki, Black Pebbled Saya, real Samé, patinated copper Kashira and Fuchi( dragon), dark navy Ito(very tight) and Sageo. One Menuki, metal (bronze) dragon Menuki, bright copper Sepa, steel Fuchi, Katchushi Tsuba in steel, weight around 850 grams without Saya.

Seems like a very tight training Iaito, not a fancy showcase iaito, nice balance, flawless blade and Kissaki.

comes semi sharp ( kissaki very sharp) Very pleased with it!!!
http://forums.swordforum.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[reitkt]

I'm glad you're happy with your iaito. I live in the States and I'm thinking about buying Tokojyo Koshirae from Bogubag. They are the cheapest I can find when I compared the price with e-bogu and tozando. I thought there might be a catch, but from your point of view, they are selling the same iaito.

Thank you. Now I can order from them with confidence.

[loki88]

If there is one i haven't found it yet.I also read somewhere that the owner of Bogubag is a very well known Kendo practitioner that has a good reputation in the sport. I believe he started his shop, just like Eurobogu, to spread the ability to practice with Japanese made affordable practice tools. I don't think he is in there primarily to make a profit. They get their stuff from Koei Bodugo, the biggest Kendo related stuff manufacturer of Japan. I have also seen them sponsor Kendo tournaments, and there is a link on the official Belgian Kendo homepage to the shop, which is run by leading members of the BKF. So i think u will be pleased by Bogubag.

[loki88]

:confused2 I would like to apologize if anyone should make the assumption that Ninecircles is selling there iaito overpriced. I was able to buy the sword in one configuration thru a non profit organisation who buy there swords in bulk from Japan. Because of those circumstances there is not an commercial firm that can provide the same service for that price. I think Ninecircles is a very good store, and can provide good swords for a low price. In no way did i mean to put Ninecircles down or criticise on there shop. I feel ashamed that someone thinks that that was the purpose of my post.

Feel free to contact me to clear any misconception about my posts.

Tomhttp://forums.swordforum.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

[Juice]

I've been shopping around as well, and most of the alloy swords are the same. The major differences lie in the quality of the koshirae. Even BoguBag (EuroBogu) has the same alloy sword in a $600 koshirae. There are lots of factors that affect an iaito's price... the blade is just not one of them! :)

I'm still waiting for my iaito... soon enough it will be mine!

[Banza Joe]

:confused2 I would like to apologize if anyone should make the assumption that Ninecircles is selling there iaito overpriced. I was able to buy the sword in one configuration thru a non profit organisation who buy there swords in bulk from Japan. Because of those circumstances there is not an commercial firm that can provide the same service for that price. I think Ninecircles is a very good store, and can provide good swords for a low price. In no way did i mean to put Ninecircles down or criticise on there shop. I feel ashamed that someone thinks that that was the purpose of my post.

Feel free to contact me to clear any misconception about my posts.

Tomhttp://forums.swordforum.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

Don't be ashamed about it m8. I know you weren't trying to put them down, but to be honest they are pretty expensive. Trouble is they are about the only supplier in the uk with a decent catalogue of gear, so they can get away with the higher prices. It seems a shame that you can buy from Japan, pay the taxes and still be cheaper than ninecircles who may only have to deliver 50 miles to your door (if like me you are in the uk).
Having said that, i use ninecircles a lot. Their service is good, to say that their website is ropey. I was speaking to them only this morning, they are helpful.......when they answer the phone. Ordering online, as most probably know is a bitch, but they are sorting that out soon.
Opinions vary loki, you provided good information to help people save money on their future purchases.....don't be ashamed of that.....be proud!

[Fraz]

I also got my Iaito from eurobogu. I couldn't believe it either, in fact most of the other guys in my club couldn't beliveve it. So much so the rest of the guys are thinking of getting one from there as well.

[chidokan]

one of my students got one from 'santa' for xmas from eurobogu.... very light as its a ladies/childrens iaito, fittings good quality and tsuka ito nicely done. To be honest I wouldnt mind the same in a longer length for me! Free gifts are readily accepted of course if you have one spare and want it put to good use.... :smiley:
Nine circles seem to be undergoing a revamp at the moment, I put a few new students their way for hakama etc, and the stuff on the site is being replaced by a load of new stuff. Personally after trying to order things myself from Japan (being at the shop and asking for it to be sent over) they have my sympathy as you rarely get what you want and its usually late. Trying to run a business like this must be pretty hard on the nerves.. :confused2

[rottunpunk]

mwahaha

purple sonja is back

so he's go a girls one then? bless i allways knew he was hiding something.

is it nicer than mine? probably not-mines the nicest anything else is second rate...unless its purple
:P

[chidokan]

its actually lighter than yours, I would say its the same as Mrs Yabe sensei's iaito.......but light brown. I suppose that means you wont even want to try it out.... :wink:
And we now have TWO purple tsuka iaito on loan to the club so you missed out on that!!!hahahahaha!!!

I will pass your comments on to the "little monster", I am sure he will 'appreciate' them. :laugh:

[bushido735]

what do u guys think about buying a iaito in ebogu.com?

[Lovejoy]

Hi, I think I have just received the same sword as the originator of this thread, from eurobogu, but Im not sure the one he alludes to on the ninecircles site is the same iaito. I think it maybe the one from their 'nami' range. Having said that it is still a good £100 pounds cheaper. I only say it as the tsuba on mine is the same as the nami etc.



Lovejoy

[chidokan]

I picked up another identical (bar the fittings) ladies iaito in Japan... identical price to the Eurobogu one, so he is definitely doing you all a favour by importing at that price.....

[Musashi898]

I had a look at EuroBogu.net, i think that is a brilliant site, thanks for postin it, like when i priced Nine Circles it came to around £500 lol with VAT etc, when i went to Euro Bogu, Free Shipping!, An Iaito with a leather wrapping on the handle and Silk Bag for £350!!!, and it's made in Japan and it arrives in a few days, i think i wil order it when my paycheck comes in.

[nichido]

Buying a sword or a tsuba from Japan is not difficult at all.
The best resource is Yahoo Japan Auctions.
Most sellers don't ship overseas but you can easily overcome this problem by using an online middleman service.
http://www.japanauctioncenter.com/
You bid in realtime, win and have your item sent to you (and prices are affordable)
Best wishes

[Ookami7]

I can 2nd that comment on the owner state side for Bogu Bag. His name is Robert Stroud. He is the leading Sensei for Idaho Kendo Kai. My old dojo and before that top Sensei at Obukan dojo in Portland, OR during the 90`s etc.
Anyways, I bought my Iai tou through him since he is my Sensei and I got a really nice blade that I am happy with !!!!! Anyways my 2 cents.
mata, Ookami yori / Jeff
P.S. sometimes on his web page he has discounted Iai tous that are ready to ship.

[doberman]

i got one for sale, no catch, checked and approved. just dont have money at the moment, since without a job. buy with confidence from my second last post...

[nichido]

I would like to announce a new directory for auctions and shopping Web sites in Japan. You can reach to many Japanese Kendo sites through this directory at http://www.japanas.com (http://www.japanas.com)

[Fred27]

I would like to announce a new directory for auctions and shopping Web sites in Japan. You can reach to many Japanese Kendo sites through this directory at http://www.japanas.com (http://www.japanas.com)

You have made two posts and both links to commercial sites..

....