 |
|
Many folks who study the Japanese sword art
known as iaido often start with a
zinc-aluminum (Zn-Al) training tool called an iaito.
These tools are great for
daily training in the repetitive motions
known as kata. They are very durable,
virtually maintenance free
and will NOT cut.
Nor are they designed for metal upon metal impact.
Swordstore.com offers a wide variety of models
to meet every budget and need. |
As the Practitioner skills develop, the need
for a real or LiveEedged blade
becomes necessary for his skills development.
Often too, the practitioner also
wants to do some test cutting.
Steel iaito are real blades.
We do not call them ShinkenEor ShinsakutoE
because the blades can not be made
in Japan legally. These carbon steel blades are
wonderful tools for practicing
the Japanese sword arts at a fraction of
the cost of a true Japanese sword or shinken. |
|
We offer both iaiyo and batto yo.
Iaiyo have grooves called (hi)
and are designed to meet the needs
of the expert swordsperson for both
the repetitive motions of kata
and for cutting proper targets. Batto yo,
which have no groove (hi) are move forgiving
and more focused on the concept of target cutting. |
|
The Japanese sword, sought by collectors and practitioners alike,
must meet the needs of our clients.
We therefore offer a wide range of
Japanese swords (shinken) iaito and steel iaito.
|
Collectors of both antique and newly
constructed blades (shinsakuto)
will appreciate the quality and artistic
merits of these fine swords.
The activity in the steel
and the signature (mei) are
important elements of proper sword selection.
Collectors typically expect the blade
to be in high polish (kanshyo yo)
whereas practitioners would ruin
this museum quality polish
with just a few practices. |
|
To be truly appreciated, the blade for a collector is mounted in
a simple white wood scabbard
(shirasaya)so that the blade is
the focus of attention.
The sword furniture (koshirae)
is placed on a mock wooden blade
called a tsunagi so that
it can be appreciated in its own right.
|
Antique bladesare usually not
the best choices for the stresses of daily practice
for many reasons including
metal fatigue, risk of damage,
and costs make other options today
more practical. |
|
Swordstore.com can help you decide
which type of sword is right for you. |
|
|
We now offer some exciting new saya patterns. Check out our Momiji saya done in black lacquer with real maple leaves inlaid into the saya. Need a new saya? We offer saya that fit our iaito. Check out our green and brown marbled nuri as well as an elegant black pearl design. We can also recoat your current saya. Swordstore.com gives you the power to choose. 
