Space between bamboo slates

[Sushi Lover]

I just got a shinai and when I did I removed the three small pieces of string (not sure what they would be called) that were holding it together. Not the nakayui or the tsura or anything major like that, just these 3 small strings, but when i did, the bamboo immediatley got loser. I tried taking it apart and reassembling it but there is still a 1 millimeter space between the slates of bamboo. Other than that its very secure, but I´m wondering wether a small gap is normal or wether I´ve made a big mistake.

[Shazzanzzz]

it's normal

[mystic_kendoka]

u mean the strings around the bamboo? if thts it, then its normally the stuff they transport the shinai's in, so they dont need a leather handle or tip to hold it together..

[Shambler]

Yes, those are normal. I pondered that same question for a few seconds when I first got my shinai in. It's just to keep the shinai together and ready for you to use.

Just be careful to take them off without damaging the bamboo.