Should Shinais be lacquered?

[Katsuya]

I have heard of shinais having splinters and other problems. If splinters are the problem or being dry. Why not apply a thin to thick layer of lacquer. It could even help the shinais durabulity and lifespan. I would want to see your opinions

[orayakab]

I have heard of shinais having splinters and other problems. If splinters are the problem or being dry. Why not apply a thin to thick layer of lacquer. It could even help the shinais durabulity and lifespan. I would want to see your opinions

Isn't this what is done on specially treated shinai? A thin layer of schlack or lacquer type liquid is applied to the bamboo to hopefully keep it together longer...

Too much lacquer may make the shinai heavier or change the balance.

Orayakab, U.

[justforkendo]

Think about it. If you lacquer your shinai, the laquer will chip and find it's way into your's and your opponents eyes before the bamboo plinters. Oil them guys. Please.

[Hai_hai]

Bamboo is grass.
Bamboo can be wet or dry.
Bamboo that is not dry is less likely to splinter and will have more flexibility when bent.
Bamboo with a direct lacquer coat on all surfaces will waterproof the bamboo stave, thus making it dry on the inside.
When it's dry on the inside, it is more likely to break and/or splinter when flexed. Opposite to your theory of increased durability and lifespan.

[Karaken]

I have heard of shinais having splinters and other problems. If splinters are the problem or being dry. Why not apply a thin to thick layer of lacquer. It could even help the shinais durabulity and lifespan. I would want to see your opinions

Shinai bends a lot ( I mean a lot ! ) lacquer doesn't.. It'll only be messy when they fall off and potentially dangerous to your eyes..

Center

[twotoedgiraffe]

All it takes is once for the shinai to splinter and go through your eye socket and erupting in a bloody mess through the back of your skull. Ok, maybe too dramatic. Get a carbon shinai and you'll have less to worry about, at least for a while. I've found the bamboo shinais to last longer after the olive oil treatment. Basically got a PVC pipe large enough to hold a shinai. Then sealed one end, filled it with olive oil and left the staves in there for about a month or so. Anyone have any other ideas?

[pamiro]

Basically got a PVC pipe large enough to hold a shinai. Then sealed one end, filled it with olive oil and left the staves in there for about a month or so. Anyone have any other ideas?

wouldnt that make the bamboo get filled up with oil and become heavy??
i was leaving them apart for a couple of days and wetting with water+oil mixture ...then i saw them turning to green !!! i tought that i was doing a bit "too much"!!! but you are talking about leaving them in oil 1 month?!

[nodachi]

My shinai last a whole year until they break. I take care of any splinters every week before practice. And usually the night before practice every other week I will disassemble and just rub a light coat of oil on the shinai and let it sit over night and reassemble the next day. Everyone finds a different way of taking care of their stuff. You don't have to let them sit in oil for them to last long. But everyone's got their style. Find something that works for you.

[DCPan]

Hi guys,

I wouldn't lacquer the shinais.

Currently, I take it apart and leave it on the floor with some newspaper or cut garbage bag. Then, I put some oil on the inner curve to leave overnight to soak in.

Then, I put a little bit of beeswax on it...not too much, or it will smear your partner's bogu when you strike them.

Now, here's the big secret...I BURNISH it. Rub the edge of the shinai against a hard smooth surface...it'll compact the shinai edge....

I've heard some folks soak the shinai in water in a tub first, then oil...but I'm not sure that's a good idea, esp if you live in a climate that promotes mold.

[DCPan]

Isn't this what is done on specially treated shinai?

You might be referring to the "BIO Shinai". Those are resin-impregnated, not lacquered.

Most of the "nicer" shinais, like madake shinais have a light coat of wax on them. It doesn't feel that way because they run it over a alcohol lamp so the wax is absorbed rather than surfacy. You can achieve similar results with your hair dryer....

[twotoedgiraffe]

As far as the soaking in the PVC, it was for about 2-3 weeks I remembered. The shinai has lasted so far without splinters or even sanding for about a year now. Anyone used wood conditioners for furniture perhaps?