qualities of a good bokutou (bokken)

[Confound]

As a gift for my iai sensei, I am asking my father to make him a bokutou. It only seemed logical to ask the knowledgable people what they look for in a bokutou, when purchasing. That said, I'd appreciate some insight into what qualities are important for a good bokken.

Bear in mind that my father is a skilled craftsman (a furniture and cabinet maker by trade, but he has built canoes and kayaks as well, not to mention houses), and that he and I have already read through Kim Taylor's excellent documents on the subject of maknig bokutou.

c

[alexpollijr]

Having you mentioned all this, I guess that all that remains is durability and finishing.

Durability probably can be achieved by using only one plank to make the bokuto (pretty obvious), and using tight grain wood. (Brazilian cherry or Ipe is widely available and very resilient. White or red oak will do in the lack of a better choice).

And finishing, well, lies the overall shape of the bokuto, the tsuba-supporting dent and if maybe a coat of lacquer.

'jes my two cents.

[Confound]

I was actually wondering about the actual shape. My bokutou are all very poor quality (inherited from people). Is the right side of the hilt supposed to be a bit flatter?

Also, does anyone have one of Kim Taylor's laminated bokutou?

We were actually considering purple heart or bird's eye maple.

c

[sminki]

Not that I am an expert on this matter, but they seem to have some good discussions regarding different types of wood, shape and length at www.swordstore.com.