Tsuru iaito

[opentarget]

Hi I have lurked this forum for quite a while and never had much reason to post (other people allways got my views and points across before me) but now I have a question, I hope someone can help me.
I am interested in buying the hanwei tsuru iaito and was wondering if anyone has experience with it?
http://www.blades-uk.com/view_items.php?cat_id=117 (it’s the 3rd one down)
Will it withstand a few bumps and bangs (now you know why I don’t want a live blade lol)?
And my main question is regarding its balance in comparison to the other hanwei live blades is it similar?

[ScottUK]

Hi Kevin,

Is the sword for iai practice?

No iaito will withstand 'a few bumps' if it is zinc alloy. If the Tsuru is like the Nami iaito it is a cheap alternative to a Japanese iaito. I wouldn't buy one...

Just out of interest, where do you train?

Don't forget to stick your name in the sig box as per E-Budo rules...! :)

[opentarget]

thanks Scottuk, i don’t actually train in Iaido i am a Bujinkan practitioner the reason i want an iaito is that im fairly new to training and don’t trust myself with a live blade (and probably never will lol) perhaps you could recommend a sword for me?

[Spookyfbi]

thanks Scottuk, i don’t actually train in Iaido i am a Bujinkan practitioner the reason i want an iaito is that im fairly new to training and don’t trust myself with a live blade (and probably never will lol) perhaps you could recommend a sword for me?


I'd have a word with your Shidoshi too ;) does your Dojo use Iaito in training?

[ScottUK]

perhaps you could recommend a sword for me?I can - and I'm not being sarcastic here - a bokuto. Sure, it ain't like having a blada and a saya, but you can practice iai, kenjutsu etc in absolute safety and it is more forgiving than an iaito if you do a few cack-handed draws - very difficult to bend oak!

I practice with my various bokuto (plus plastic saya sometimes) nearly as much as I do with my iaito or shinken.

Don't think a bokuto is for beginners only.

Buy an iaito/shinken when you really need one... :)

[opentarget]

Yes that’s a good point. I bought a bokken with a plastic saya instead. It was just a case of wanting more than needing the iaito…..but there so damn shiny! Thanks for the advice ill wait until I have a few more years experience before taking the plunge.