Bokken

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[Einosuke]

Are there any conventions that regulate the measurements of a regular bokken? I say measurements referring to width, breadth and how long it needs to be!!!!
I know someone who could built one just as the arcaic japanese katana!!!
I thank the replies

:ki:

[JJF]

It should match your hight, arm length and the size of your hands. However custommade bokken is a rather expencive luxury, so often one have to make do with the best of what is available.

Bokken also come in several shapes and styles. They might be straight, they might be curved, they might be equally thick all the way or heavier close to the handle (tskua). Some might have a tsuba - some might not. It all boiles down to that as long as your'e not experienced enough to know exactly what you want and be able to explain why - then you should do like everybody else in the dojo you practice in. If it's just for your self then you can do pretty much what ever you want, but if you want to use it for paired practice it is crusial that the wood is durable and that it dosen't splinter on impact.

[Bronson]

Forgive me for hijacking this thread ;)

I just received a bokken from Kingfisher Woodworks (http://www.kingfisherwoodworks.com/). It is amazing. The workmanship, feel, balance, and look are incredible. It's made of grade B impact hickory so it's tough enough to take a serious thumping but it feels lighter than it looks. The tsuba (hand guard) is made of cross laminated bamboo and is extremely strong and sturdy. I had a small customization done (two inches added to the handle length) and I still had it in about two weeks. The thing that really amazed me about it is that Brad at Kingfisher didn't use any sandpaper when he made it. It was weird the first couple times I held it having an open grain from the planing and shaving but I quickly grew to like it. Check out the current issue of theJournal of Asian Martial Arts (http://www.goviamedia.com/) for a nice article about them.

Bronson

[cdwright]

Are there any conventions that regulate the measurements of a regular bokken? I say measurements referring to width, breadth and how long it needs to be!!!!

I know someone who could built one just as the arcaic japanese katana!!!

I thank the replies

:ki:
price is also another factor. I have spent 10 bucks on a bokken. Was just a plain jane red oak. You can spends hundreds for exotic hardwoods made to your spec.

Keep in mind you want to be safe also. The really hard stuff can shatter.

I would say contact Brad at Kingfisher also, he does excellent work.

From some of the weirder woods, kim taylor in Canada is your guy.