Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
Hello!
Currently I'm managing an university Aikido club (our faculty sponsor runs a full off campus dojo) and we finally have funds to purchase weapons. I'm a bit at a loss as where to buy them from however. Right now we are looking to purchase: 5 bokken, 5 jo, 5 tanto and 2 shinai. I've personally bought red oak economy & sanded it down and refinished with teak oil. I really like it. However, our advisor suggested purchasing white oak saying it would last longer. Any suggestions where we could buy these weapons? I am not looking to get something amazing (like Kingfisher bokken) but rather something basic that beginning students can borrow. Thanks, Zoë |
Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
FWIW and having run just such a dojo for many years, I'd recommend entry level weapons that are safe, anything more expensive has a tendency to walk
dan |
Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
I'm not sure of the logistics involved with the shipping... but I'd highly recommend Sei Do Kai Supplies run my Kim Taylor.
I've purchased a few items and always been very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship. Go check out the hickory wooden weapons page... that might be a good place to start for a general order. http://sdksupplies.netfirms.com/ |
Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
I was about to suggest Kim Taylor also. His hickory weapons are VERY durable and reasonably priced.
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Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
Check with Kiyota Company in Baltimore, no website, phone and catalog orders only. Quality stuff huge selection but you kind of have to know what you want, as he has Bokken for just about every ryu you can think of.
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Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
e-bogu has a dedicated wholesale website. You may be able to find a good deal there.
http://www.discountdojo.com/ You might also email Rodney Uhler Sensei at ninecirclesusa.com and see if he can help you out. Their equipment is very nice and very affordable. Our group gets most of our stuff from them. |
Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
The white oak bokken from Kiyota are very good - we have a number in our dojo that have served well for years. One of my students got a bokken from Nine Circles that did not hold up well - the wood was a bit too soft for paired practice (their gis are excellent, however).
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Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
I have used Kiyota out of Baltimore before and they are excellent to use if you know what you want. Brad from Kingfisher is a friend and I have used him for a bulk order for my school. His standard Hickory stuff is not too pricey and it lasts longer than a lot of other stuff, so it will pay for itself in the long-run. I am currently taking taking requests from the dojo in NYC and my school for another bulk order this spring. If you are interested in piggybacking with me on my order, kindly e-mail me at sensei@aasbk.com .
Cordially, Marc Abrams |
Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far!
Right now we are thinking either Nine Circles or our old stanard Kiyota Co. I've contacted Nine Circles to ask about a discount as suggested. Any other places people have used would still be helpful. I don't have to have a budget up for a few more days. |
Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
You have 3 good alternatives - Kiyota, Kim Taylor, and an attractive offer from Marc.
I have used Kiyota, but due to importing most of his weapons from Japan, the prices keep rising. I found Kim Taylor (actually Brenda - his wife) to be more reasonable, especially on Ittoo Ryu Bokkens (Whicte Oak - 'thicker ones).The Hickory Jo from Kim are very reasonable. I have no experience with Kingfisher but their rep is great. I would not bother ordering a hardwood tanto - a cheaper wood one should work fine. Kiyota probably has them in red oak for $5. |
Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
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Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
Check out www.budovideos.com for a wide selection of uniforms, weapons, books, and dvd's.
Scott Harrington |
Re: Large Weapons Purchase HELP!
If you want to get something from Japan then I can recommend tozando.com. It's good quality at a reasonable price and usually great service.
They might have a discount for bulk purchase of bokken - at least they used to have. |
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