Superior Kotobuki Bokken - By Master Aramaki Made in Japan (Kyushu) - Aramaki Workshop Chevroned Spine | Rounded Butt | Long Special Kissaki | Kotobuki Finish Each model is unique - and you choose it directly from its pictures! This Kotobuki Bokken is of standard length and thickness and is similar in use to the standard and deluxe models. Suitable for Aikido practice as well as Kendo Kata, and any other Budo using a standard or deluxe model. Crafted by Master Aramaki, this model is made from carefully selected wood of the highest quality. It is extensively oil polished - first at the workshop, and further in an oil polish/sanding process that lasts for 7 days at our facilities to minimize the chance of warping. That kind of Bokken is unique on the market, and so far, exclusive to Seido. We developed it with Master Aramaki upon a meeting at the end of August 2017, one month later we had it available online, just a few days before we published an interview with him, the first-ever interview made with a Japanese Bokken craftsman. "Kotobuki" in Japanese means "long life", an expression often used for festive occasions. Not surprisingly, that master Aramaki named this kind of exquisite shape and finish he uses on his Hon Biwa and Hon Kokutan Bokken "Kotobuki", because those Bokken are mainly purchased as presents. Compared to the deluxe Bokken model, and in addition to the elaborate finish, the Kissaki is longer and both sides of the blade are flattened instead of rounded. Buna, or Fagus Crenata, is a very popular wood in Japan for its rather excellent weight/resistance ratio. Not as strong as white or red oak, it is much stronger than Isu no Ki or Sunuke wood and is an excellent compromise for practitioners looking for a lightweight Bokken that can sustain rather heavy chocs. Hon Akagashi, or "true red oak" is a wood that was extensively used in the past, which has about the same mechanical qualities as white oak, but has become quite rare in the past decade. Available in very small quantities at the Aramaki workshop, this Kotobuki Bokken is the only weapon we offer with Hon Akagashi as a standard product on SeidoShop. Each model is selected based on its unique specifications and pictures. Please check the product pictures to choose your model. This product exists in 2 versions, Tsubanashi (without a tsuba line) and Classic (with a tsuba line). The price of each model is set based on 3 characteristics: wood grain, wood artifacts (tiny nodes), and weight. Offer limited to half a dozen pieces a month. First come first served, no reservation. Wood species: White Oak, Red Oak (Hon Akagashi), Buna Style: Deluxe Bokken shape or Tsubanashi shape. Finish: Non-varnished (camellia oil polish). Manufacturing workshop: Aramaki Depending on the season, the Bokuto's weight may vary by 5~10%. Unvarnished weapons are more ecologically-friendly, but they require regular (monthly) maintenance with oil (camellia or wood maintenance oil) and they can only be made from the finest, Japanese quality woods. Given the need for the maintenance of these weapons, our stocks are limited. Superior Kotobuki Bokken Specifications Weight See product options Full length 101.5 cm Blade length 75.5 cm Tsuka length 26 cm Tsuka diameter 37 x 26 mm Mine Kenmine (chevroned spine) Tsuka shape Hanmaru (rounded butt) Kissaki Extra-long
