bokken shop or e-bogu

[HolyTriForce]

Ive made up my mind i chose to buy a bokken instead of a shinai. I have looked at many sites and the ones that look most promising is www.bokkenshop.com (http://www.bokkenshop.com) and http://www.e-bogu.com/High_Quality_Bokken_Combination_White_p/ebo-com-bok-hqbokcombo-white-.htm . It seems that they are quality bokkens but im looking for one thats not too expensive but still will last me a while. Though if i get one at ebogu i dont know if i should get the white one or if color matters and if i get it at bokken shop its more pricey and there are so many different bokkens i dont know which one to get. Can you help me out by leaving a comment and tell me what you think i should get.

[Paikea]

Matters for what purpose? What are you trying to accomplish, beyond purchasing a nice wooden stick?

[Swissv2]

I have had many experiences in purchasing bokken. There are several different scenarios in which should lead you to puchase specific bokken.

If you are simply doing form, or soft style usage (where you would only go through the understanding of the concepts of how to use the bokken) you can feel free to get a cheap bokken.

If you are planning to have contact with another bokken with force (understanding the pressure and angle required for actual combat) you will then need to get a white oak bokken.

Pay attention to the grain of the bokken that you buy. A bokken, when stricken over a period of time, will start to splinter. If your grain goes vertically up the length, you may experience a crack that will eventually split the bokken, or very painful and sharp splinters forming from contact.

I bought several bokken, all cheap, and all of them snapped in half when I had hard contact. My last one which was a high quality white oak was very durable and lasted a long time as well as only getting small dents with no splintering even with heavy usage.

Another aspect is to pay attention to the length and size of the bokken. Look at the size of the handle. The longer the handle, the more you can control the bokken.

Thats about it I remember, if there is anything else feel free to add it or ask.

[Swissv2]

Options for high quality bokken are
Tetsuboku Wood Deluxe and Loquat Wood Deluxe. Those are excellent hardwood but can have a price range of 60-80 dollars.

http://emeric.maury.free.fr/misc/Bokuto.html

[mystic_kendoka]

if you dont bash walls or anything a bokuto should last a lifetime

[Sithlord]

I just got the senuke wood deluxe from bokken shop with the hand engraving. It is absoultely beatiful. I know when i start using it it will start to age etc. But i'm hoping it will last a life time. Exepensive but awesome quality. I'll probably buy the ebony ones for displaying later on. But i recommend buying good quality ones solely for kendo kata. I brought the long and short one.