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Iaito Katana Comments Page 5 (Prev/Next)

Nyumon Jidai Koshirae Iaito 2.35

Sales Pitch (Nihonzashi)

Good no frills starter Iaito.  Nice balance and solid construction.  The Nyumon Jidai Koshirae iaito has a reinforced zinc/aluminum alloy blade.  The tsuka has shark skin inlays and black cotton tsuka-ito.  The saya has a Kuroishime black matte finish.

Comments

The low cost of this iaito was reflected in the Quality and Fittings category.  The tsuba appears to be finished with gloss black paint.  Most reviewers thought the blade was too light and did not have a solid feel when swung.  The low cost did get this iaito the number four spot in the Overall Bang for the Buck category.    It is almost identical to the Tozando Standard Iaito.

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Tozando Standard Iaito 26"

Sales Pitch (Tozando)

This standard Iaito is a perfect solution for a starter of Iaido training. Although this model features only the basic, we do not substitute any parts with such cheap materials as vinyl panels on Tsuka handle like others you see on the market.

Cotton wrapped Tsuka over a genuine sharkskin. Selected bamboo Mekugi peg. Fuchi/Kashira/Tsuba made of alloy metal. Polyester/cotton blend, black color Sageo comes with each Standard Iaito order. The blade is made of a light-weight, reinforced zinc/aluminum alloy*(available up to 2.45 Shaku). Weighs approximately 780 gram without Saya(2.45 Shaku). Saya available in Kuroro (black gloss finished) and Kuroishime (black matte finished).

Comments

The low cost of this iaito was reflected in the Quality and Fittings category.  The tsuba appears to be finished with gloss black paint.  Most reviewers thought the blade was too light and did not have a solid feel when swung.  It is almost identical to the Nyumon Jidai Koshirae Iaito.

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Practical Forged 28"

Sales Pitch (Nihonzashi)

The Practical Katanas has always been at the forefront of providing economical yet functional swords to the martial arts community. The Practical Plus Iaito has an un-edged training blade forged from stainless steel. The tempered blades are not only maintenance-free but more importantly provide the correct weight and balance needed for the rigors of repetitive drawing and sword motion practice. Each blade has a deeply cut groove (bo-hi) to provide audible feedback when swung properly.

Comments

The blade is NOT glued into the tsuka like the classic Practical Katana.  It placed solidly in the Feel and Balance category, but was pretty much at the bottom of the Quality and Fittings category.  The reviewers did not like the fake same and plastic menuki, but the imitation suede did have a positive feel.  The low price got it the number one rating in the Overall Bang for the Buck category. 

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