whats the deal with the different shinai's

[Kumdo-Star]

why are some better than other's it's just a bamboo sword

[yohed55]

wow, did you wake up this morning and say to yourself, "i'm going to go on the kendo forums and get flamed"

[Nameless]

What do you mean?

Different styles suit different people as a matter of personal preference.

[LNGUYEN]

Just like everything else in life, the more expensive shinai has more attention to it from people than cheaper shinai. It is either more balance, better type of bamboo, or look better. The real expensive shinai is totally handmade with the dedication of the artisan.

[Paikea]

why are some better than other's it's just a bamboo swordJust go away, please...

[rainmaker]

I hate to write whole thing so I just copy and pasted from our dojo FAQ...


What is the difference between a $35 shinai and a more expensive shinai?
Inexpensive shinai are made outside of Japan and constructed with cheaper bamboo and materials. These shinai are mass produced without emphasis on durability or balance. As a student ( kendoka ) becomes more advanced, he or she would like to purchase better balanced shinai that matches their Kendo Style or for use in competition or practice.

[ShinKenshi]

why are some better than other's it's just a bamboo sword First off, you should ask your sensei these basic questions or search the forums to see if this has been discussed. Or even better, try going to ebogu.com or some other online store and read the descriptions. Second, have you spoken with Kaoru about joining up with her study group and have you gotten that PM I sent you a few days ago?

[Kaoru]

I hate to write whole thing so I just copy and pasted from our dojo FAQ...


What is the difference between a $35 shinai and a more expensive shinai?
Inexpensive shinai are made outside of Japan and constructed with cheaper bamboo and materials. These shinai are mass produced without emphasis on durability or balance. As a student ( kendoka ) becomes more advanced, he or she would like to purchase better balanced shinai that matches their Kendo Style or for use in competition or practice.

I don't know that all beginner shinai are from outside Japan. The ones I got from Bogubag appear to be from Japan. Don't know about my one from e-bogu. Doesn't matter though for a beginner as long as they come from a reputable Kendo shop as far as I am aware.

A beginner just needs a good practice shinai.

Kaoru

[kanyil]

most of the boguyas I visited in Tokyo seem to tell me that the less expensive shinais tend to be made from Chinese or Taiwanese bamboo. Which is not necessarily a bad thing because the bamboo can be quite good, and the prices tend to be quite reasonable.

[Kaoru]

most of the boguyas I visited in Tokyo seem to tell me that the less expensive shinais tend to be made from Chinese or Taiwanese bamboo. Which is not necessarily a bad thing because the bamboo can be quite good, and the prices tend to be quite reasonable.

Ahhhh... Thanks. Lucky you, you got to talk to them! :) Wanna go to Tokyo too! hehehe! Did they tell you if the bamboo was imported to Japan and then the shinai are made or what? Or, are they also made outside of Japan if the bamboo is not Japanese grown?

Kaoru

[kanyil]

Hmm, communication with the boguya-sans were slightly difficult, as my Japanese skills are very limited to say the least. :D

From what I can gather, I think the trend is for the shinais to be made in China (and to a lesser extent, Taiwan). Then finished/labelled in Japan. Not sure if the Japanese still do the cheaper shinais themselves.

Handmade matake shinais, on the other hand, probably are still made in Japan due to the better profit margin. At least that's what they tell me.

You know, this is actually quite similar to bogus, i.e. cheaper bogus are manufactured in China etc, while the top-of-the-line bogus (aka extremely expensive) are still made in Japan.

[Kaoru]

Hmm, communication with the boguya-sans were slightly difficult, as my Japanese skills are very limited to say the least. :D

From what I can gather, I think the trend is for the shinais to be made in China (and to a lesser extent, Taiwan). Then finished/labelled in Japan. Not sure if the Japanese still do the cheaper shinais themselves.

Handmade matake shinais, on the other hand, probably are still made in Japan due to the better profit margin. At least that's what they tell me.

You know, this is actually quite similar to bogus, i.e. cheaper bogus are manufactured in China etc, while the top-of-the-line bogus (aka extremely expensive) are still made in Japan.

Ahhh. I see! Thank you very much! I learned something new today! :) Very interesting. I'll file this information away in my brain. :D

Kaoru