Iaïto

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[kototama]

First I apologise for my poor english.
I practice more Aïkido than stangers langage.

I have a question about a web shop which sell some iaïto.
http://www.tozando.com/eng

I didn't know if this web shop is correct
and if they have good products, or if it's a web shop only with good pictures ?

thank you for reply.

best regards.

kototama.
:ai:

[Tom Wolowiec]

They sell swords on this page:

http://tozando.com/eng/iaido/iaito.html

You could also see this page:

http://bugei.com/subcategory_115.htm

[p00kiethebear]

I have a friend who bought from them.

They have very good swords.

[Noel]

FWW, I went through Rick Polland at Nosyuiaido.

http://www.nosyuiaido.com/

I thought it was worth the money, but YMMV.

-Noel

[kototama]

FWW, I went through Rick Polland at Nosyuiaido.

http://www.nosyuiaido.com/

I thought it was worth the money, but YMMV.

-Noel
I'm sorry but with my poor english,

i don't understand de meaning of :

FWW and YMMV.

Could you explain it to me, i'll be happy to have a day with a little more knowledge

than previous day.

enjoy aîkido ....

kototama.

:ai:

[JJF]

I think this is what they mean:

FWW=For what it's worth

YMMV=Your Mileage Might Vary (car-term)

I bought an iaito from Tozando a few years ago, and I'm very pleased with it.

A friend of mine just received his last week, and it's a very nice piece of craftmanship too.

Good luck

[kototama]

I think this is what they mean:

FWW=For what it's worth

YMMV=Your Mileage Might Vary (car-term)

I bought an iaito from Tozando a few years ago, and I'm very pleased with it.

A friend of mine just received his last week, and it's a very nice piece of craftmanship too.

Good luck
Thank you for your informations.

It confirm what i thought about tazando.

Best regards.

Kototama.

:ai:

[oudbruin]

Tozando- has the best reputation. Very honerable.
Finest quality materials, and - yes, some of the items are expensive, but you get what you pay for.
Want something cheap? go to the local martial arts store.
Want the real thing? Tozando -
nothing further needs to be said.
Kindest regards-
HBH

[Doka]

I have a question to Iaito the experts here!

I have trained Aikido quite a few years, and I have also trained Jujutsu, striking arts and classical kendo with the bokken (as part of my Aiki), and also with the katana, but never Iaido! I am looking at buying a new katana, but I have also seen Iaito (cheeper). What is the diference between a katana and an Iaito?

If this is a naive question, I don't care! :) If a don't ask I will be ignorant to the fact forever! :)

Also, if there is a difference, which would you recommend for kata and tachi dori?

Huge thanks,

Mark

[Marshall Sandoz]

A katana is made of steel and is sharpened for cutting. An iaito is usually made of a zinc/aluminum alloy (but may sometimes made of steel) and has a dull edge for practicing techniques in relative safety.

[kironin]

Tozando is decent. I wouldn't say that they have the best reputation.
The quality has been variable some time in recent years.
Some sources have a better reputation for consistent quality like for example http://www.nosyuiaido.com/

But what Tozando does have is sales where you can get a good deal on a serviceable iaito if you are on a tight budget.

Craig

[kironin]

Iaito is a practice sword for Iaido (hence the name Iai-to) usually made of a non-ferrous alloy that does not rust but also not capable of taking a proper edge for cutting. A decent iaito gives you good balance and durability for an affordable price. Use it for kata and suburi only. The alloys are lighter than steel.

Katana really refers to the style of sword (a long sword worn thrust through the belt edge up). An Iaito is generally made in the form of a katana style for historical reasons. Often when people say katana, they really mean shinken (true sword), a traditionally made folded steel blade. A decent shinken will cost you the price of a BMW as mentioned in another thread. Like a piece of art, it's value is likely to go up with time if you don't use it. If you budget is less than $10000 US, there are options all the way from an okay shinken down to a few hundred dollars for a steel cutting blade that is not traditional but can cut well enough. In terms of balance and durability, you get what you pay for.

"Steel Iaito" by swordstore.com is nice compromise for around $2000 US.
kata and cutting.

Low-end products like "Practical Katana Plus" is obviously not a shinken.
http://www.mantisswords.com/practical_katanas.htm


More advanced Iaido practioners often use a sharp steel katana style sword and if they have the money, a katana style shinken, for kata practice. It may actually be a requirement for a higher rank exam.

Craig

[Doka]

Many, many thanks!

Mark