Some kashira, and notably Suigyu (water buffalo) made Kashira do not have a hole, which forces to slightly change how the maki (wrapping) is done. It usually features a hole that is used to secure the tsukaito (wrapping). The Kashira is a pommel on the end of the tsuka, which serves, similarly to the Fuchi, as reinforcement for the Tsuka (handle). The tang of the sword goes into the tsuka through the opening in the fuchi. It serves as a reinforcment for the Tsuka (handle). The Fuchi is a hilt collar between the tsuka and the tsuba.

Standard weight blades have a maximum of 2.55 shaku with Minosaka and 2.45 shaku with Jisei. Iaito Size & Weight Comparative Table Height Details about each possible option, depending on whether or not it is available for a specific model, can be found on each Iaito’s product page. The purpose of this guide is to give you an overall presentation of possible customizations. They should be reserved for experienced practitioners.

Please note that heavier Iaito, which are balanced toward the kissaki (tip) are difficult to handle. Finally, people with less strength might appreciate the Jisei lightweight series. High level practitioners will appreciate heavy-weight (large blade) models such as the Hon Koshirae. More seasoned practitioners and collectors will opt for superior models with a better finnish. Those can be found in the Tokusei or Jidai models by Minosaka and the Take or Ume by Jisei. Will you use your Iaito only from time to time? Do you use it in every class? What type of Budo do you practice?īeginners and casual practitioners will opt for low-cost but reliable materials. The first thing to determine when choosing a Iaito is your type of practice. Minosaka and Jisei blades are manufactured through a proprietary process that yields a high quality, 'bubble-free' alloy. Iaito are usually made of aluminum/zinc alloys, which can be produced via different processes. Because of this very restrictive law, the vast majority of practitioners tends to use Iaito, even those owning a real and expensive steel Katana. The possession of weapons is strictly prohibited by law and owning a steel weapon is only possible with a legal circumvention that categorizes the Katana as an object of art, not as a weapon. Seido is very attentive to safety and our Iaito are especially selected for their high quality.Ĭontrary to a popular belief in the West, steel Iaito do not exist in Japan. Unlike Dogi, Hakama or Obi, the use of poor quality materials to manufacture Iaito can be dangerous and lead to serious injuries.

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