*help* Picking out a Bokuto and Shinai

[Joshua Ray]

Ok I have looked at about every site and while I lean towards several options I can't seem to make up my mind.

The problem I find is that the handles on most Bokuto I look at at too small. I need at the minimum 12" and am more comfortable with a 13.5" grip.

So I need someone to suggest a good quality, nicely priced bokken, that either has no defined handle or a larger handle for me.

Secondly I need to know what kind of Bokuto and Shinai to get for a 12 year old. This twelve year old is very small in stature, short and narrow.

Any suggestions? Preferably a site that can accomidate both needs?

Thanks.

[Brian Owens]

It depends on what you and the 12-year-old need the bokken for.

In some kenjutsu styles, sword (and therefore bokken) length depends on your height.

In Kendo, and some other kenjutsu styles (and the ken side in Jodo, AFAIK) the size is codified by the ryu and you have to adapt to it.

The safest route is to ask your, and the child's, sensei for recommendations on specs.

For a look at several different bokken styles, though, try here: Bokken Shop.

If you're really tall and want a long "blade" as well as a long hilt, the Kiyota Company sells a "Bizen O-dachi" bokken that is pretty huge.

They don't have a Web presence, but they're an old and respected MA supplies company.

Their address is:

The Kiyota Company, Inc.
2326 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218

Ph:.....(410) 366-8275
or........(800) 783-2232
Fax:....(410) 366-3540

[Bronson]

Kingfisher Woodworks does custom work. I have one of their hickory bokken and can't recommend them enough.

You could also try:

The Kiyota Co.
2326 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland
USA 21218
Tel (410) 366-8275
Fax (410) 366-3540

They don't have a website but they'll send you a catalog that has many options.

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
...The Kiyota Company sells a "Bizen O-dachi" bokken that is pretty huge...

Originally posted by Bronson
You could also try:

The Kiyota Co.

I beat you to the "submit" button by two minutes.

Great minds think alike, eh?