Grooved Bokken/Bokuto

[adfrost]

Would a grooved bokken still be considered suitable for kendo kata? Or is it intended only for iaido? Also, are there any advantages/disadvantages to using a bokken w/ a groove? I've read they make a more "swooshing" sound when swung, and that they are lighter.

Thanks!

[Perfect Tommy]

The main problem with grooved bokken is that the edge of the groove tends to get crushed causing splinters, which then become a saftey issue for mainly your self but also your training partner.

[not-I]

The main problem with grooved bokken is that the edge of the groove tends to get crushed causing splinters, which then become a saftey issue for mainly your self but also your training partner.
Yup, i just got a grooved bokken and plastic saya from Nine Circles for my birthday, but i just use it for practicing suburi and iaido until i have the cash together to buy a decent iaito. I wouldn't use it for kata, for the reason Tommy just mentioned. I use a pretty heavy bokken for that.

But the "swoosh" sound is a nice gimmick. It sounds vaguely like a rubber duck, but is quite useful in practicing suburi at home, as you can really hear the strong, straight cuts (an acoustically motivational factor when you start to get tired) and can work on getting those angles just right, especially for sayu-men and do. It's obviously lighter than a normal bokken (mine seems to weigh just a little more than a shinai), so it's less effective for strength training, but a suburito would be better for that anyway. All in all, it's a nice, well-crafted weapon with many applications, but not suitable for kendo kata.

[R A Sosnowski]

The main problem with grooved bokken is that the edge of the groove tends to get crushed causing splinters, which then become a saftey issue for mainly your self but also your training partner.

Quite true. Unless you get special material, like Kingfisher's laminated rosewood, Bohi on Bokuto are more trouble than they are worth for any kind of paired practices. Brad at Kingfisher made one like this for me to match my Iaito (2.75 blade with 1.0 tsuka), but it was not cheap.

[adfrost]

Thanks for the prompt responses. Looks like I should get a plain vanilla bokken. since I'm not doing any iaido (or tameshigiri) --yet-- Chances are I'll end up getting a katana for that anyway.

[Sithlord]

Anyone know of any links where they sell top quality handmade ebony bokuto.....?

[Hyaku]

If its swooshing you have it all wrong. More like a short "swip"

[Bleda]

Kendoshop i believe has top quality ebony stuff. Search online for it though you can find a few places that sells it. I also have the email of this guy that i know that hand makes them and does a VERY nice job although its EXPENSIVE.

[Shogun97]

by the way.....is there a difference between a bokken and a bokuto?
i don't think so... or am i wrong with this?

[not-I]

If its swooshing you have it all wrong. More like a short "swip"
Yes, i suppose the rubber duck sound is more a "swip" than a "swoosh."

[not-I]

by the way.....is there a difference between a bokken and a bokuto?
"Bokken" and "bokuto" are simply different kanji for "wood(en) sword" and are often used interchangably. However, a distinction apparently does exist, where the bokuto would be the light approximation of the katana that we use for kata, and a bokken would be a heavier weapon used more for strength training. While bokuto and bokken would generally be shaped like swords, the tasty-sounding "suburito" (suburi sword) is an even heaftier beast than the bokken and can often look more like a paddle or giant baseball bat -- useful for getting buff like Arnie in Conan.

[Sithlord]

I found the perfect place...bokkenshop.com

I ordered the Senuke wood deluxe..the long and short bokken. I also managed to get my name in kanjii engraved, and also bought a 2 piece sword rack. Should be coming soon.

I'd only buy ebony for display purposes....too good to use.