Dec 28, 2014
(2 out of 5)
**CAUTION**
I purchased this set several months back for kata practice and sparring purposes. Arrived on time with everything neatly packed, noticed the black bokken had what appeared to be a superficial crack running from the kissaki down the spine about 18 inches where another seemingly superficial crack ran from a knot in the middle of the spine all the way down remaining length of the bokken where the natural bokken was just fine, though the tsuba moves up and down a lot during practice because the stopper doesn't fit properly but that isn't a big deal.
During a sparring session, however, things went badly. Both held up relatively well the first time. But during the second occasion, the black bokken split in three places around the kissaki, split about 1/3 of the way along the spine and blew out in a couple places along the ha and the ito came undone halfway up the tsuka. Keep in mind we weren't swinging these things like clubs, trying to smash eachothers' bones. This was a light-contact kumitachi and it COMPLETELY FAILED while parrying a strike. Luckily nobody was injured.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THESE BOKKEN TO ANYONE. Clearly the quality control department behind whomever it is that makes these is either lax or incompetent and there's now way of knowing what the quality of the bokken will be when you order. Do yourself a favor and shell out a few extra bucks and get solid red oak bokuto from a well-known kendo or budo retailer. The only reason I give these two stars is because nobody was hurt and they are well shaped and weighted for a good approximation of a live, carbon steel katana.
Response: Hello,
We apologize that your Bokken broke during sparring. Since you are not satisfied with the product, you may return an item within 60 days of purchase. You can contact us at 1-800-735-3326 to obtain a return label for your package. Thanks!
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Richard Thomas
May 31, 2014
(4 out of 5)
I have had these training swords for 2 years now and they have only encountered a couple of problems. The tan one had a lot of black marks all over it but you would expect that from a black sword hitting the tan one. There is a tinny bit of chipping at the tips of the swords. And the biggest problem on multiple occasions the grips stared falling off where I had to burn them together. but know I just duck taped over them because they were annoying. But over all for 16 bucks its great fun with friends.
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Lateshia Weeden
Sep 26, 2013
(4 out of 5)
I like them both, but the only problem was the natural bokken was chipped.
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Allison Hand
May 07, 2013
(5 out of 5)
These are great! fully fully amazing! overnight shipping and great, durable bokkens! great for sparring! the black one is a bit heavyer, but thats no problem! Great quality for a great price!
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brett schoenberger
Apr 27, 2013
(4 out of 5)
Good buy definetly have to buy more...wrapping was incredibly loose making the glue kinda pointless...still worth another buy or two though
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Shane Mangles
Oct 31, 2012
(5 out of 5)
Great buy!!! worth the 15$ i am very pleased.
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Brandon Castillo
Jan 25, 2012
(4 out of 5)
These were great!!!!! Only problem with mine were the gaurd was a tad bit wobbly and my tan bokken also had minor dents and scratchs but they were still in pretty good condition
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kenneth crider
Dec 03, 2011
(4 out of 5)
I got this product in just 1 day after i ordered it but i was kinda disappointed. after opening it i found that the brown bokken was much heavier than the black. The black bokken had a point of paint chip off when i placed it on the ground and the brown had scuff marks at the top. But it does not have any paint transfer of any kind even during hard core training
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Sam Przybylski
Dec 01, 2011
(5 out of 5)
I purchased these swords awhile back and never got around to reviewing them. They're wonderful, full contact and not one thing wrong with them.
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John Eck
Dec 10, 2010
(4 out of 5)
First of all, I have to say that this product is amazing. I've used it to spar with a friend and to practice alone and both of these bokken are just amazing; however, I do have a couple minor complaints that don't affect the use of the bokken much. First off, the natural bokken feels just a hair lighter than the black bokken. I presume this is due to how the wood is treated to use the black finish on the bokken. The only other complaint I have is that the wrapping on the handle slides over time, not enough to get in the way of use, just enough to notice when you examine it. Okay, I lied, ONE MORE complaint. The tsuba slides too easily, but if you're using it, it really won't get in the way. All things considered, great value and great feel.
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