Which Sword do I buy?!

[@tsugikuniyoriichi22]

THANK YOU for saying this i bought a 200 dollar katana and it felt heavy compared to the ones I used to use in the dojo back in Cuba, honestly I thought I got weaker or maybe we didn't have a real one back then, but i apparently my instincts were right, thanks for the explanation.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

My pleasure!

[@caspacz8271]

@@TheBudoAcademy where does one buy a quality battle ready katana and other equipment of that nature so far best site I found is kultofathena

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@caspacz8271 sorry for the late reply, I will be doing some blade reviews soon .

[@jedy5658]

Hahhahahahhah modern Yoriichi is still learning swordsmanship

[@Kane-ez]

Screw 🎉

[@MrPW2009]

All good points. I'd suggest that making sure the habaki fits correctly, the mekugi is secure and that the maki ito doesn't move are also important points. Cheap swords often fail on at least one of these.

[@hmuphilly9129]

my cheap iaito was surprisingly built strong. but the issue is with the saya kurigata is breaking off and I dont know why or how.

[@michaelrs8010]

Thank you for making other relevant points. I went on Sword Buyer's Guide Forum asking about iliato recommendations and a general inquiry of why not just get a blunted sword from one of the "drop-down menu vendors" that sell swords from China for about $75-$150. Most of the answers concentrate on sword quality, which you also briefly went over here, but none of them mentioned the biomechanical aspect of it as you did. Very useful point. Thanks for the video.

[@thedukeofskull1383]

It is always good to hear from a real Sensi. I have studied and taught Chinese "Kung Fu" for 43 years and have seen some over time just in it for the money. One thing I teach is that if you get a sword and it needs the furniture polished or something because you received it dull. Then your polishing the sword yourself will make the sword more apart of you, or more yours. As it does when you constantly practice with it.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

I agree, and thanks for reaching out. Appreciate that

[@glowindark64]

Do you do kung fu for self defence?

[@cameronbeck7238]

Before I clicked on this video I had tozando in my mind and thought that you were gonna name them. They’re made in Gifu prefecture in Japan, which on its own is an awesome point of the company considering most iaito that price are both Chinese and lower quality. Easily the best (might as well be the only) iaito company out there.

[@dzl8596]

Thanks for the timely video, sensei. I'm going to Kyoto this week and Tozando is on my list of places to look for my first iaito.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Best of luck!

[@XMetalChefX]

Everyone: Under 300 not a good one... Moderator: Ronin Katana has entered the chat

[@JesusGonzalez-lu5pf]

good video, i was about to write you off about halfway through and then you outlined the difference between steel and aluminum iaito and the different styles. I practice Toyama Ryu so we do iaido/battodo and in my dojo aluminum iaito are discouraged because they're so light. we train with steel to match our shinken as closely as possible to do tameshigiri. great video thank you for spreading good info out there and hopefully encouraging more folks to pick up martial arts

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Thanks very much

[@Mist3rData]

This is very informative, thank you.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

My pleasure

[@halkross9896]

Thank you. Good advice.

[@sanpogiri]

I have earned Sandan in MJER. Not sure I entirely agree with you about a steel sword. My shinkens are steel and so are on the heavy side, but that's what you cut with. I used a steel iaito for many years. That being said, my favorite iaito is a custom made alloy iaito I bought directly from Tozando's forge. Can't remember the name and it was long enough ago that I can't fine any paperwork. Minotaka maybe? Custom length blade and tsuka, custom menuki, etc. I bought it because it was lighter. lol

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Bill D, You probably have a proper cut technique, as a beginner usually does not. So this means they can certainly cause an injury IF the sword is cheap and not balanced proper. (And I like my Tozando blades for the same reason lol) Thanks for chiming in!!

[@memed5831]

my training sword hasn’t arrived yet so i am using the replica that i have available.

[@jedeckert9525]

To me, Hanwei has quality swords at a reasonable price. They have great balance and are affordable.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Yes they do, I've seen a few of them over the years

[@huntergalligos4792]

I just ordered a carbon steel sword from fire and steel in Canada and it was only 128 CA and its awesome, I would recommend it

[@TheFrog767]

Relevant information 🥂👏👏 about body movements and weight of the weapon

[@MrDoncarnage]

Tozando is the best in Japan for general purpose training. They are very good and liked in Japan too. Its not just a dealer its a manufacture too. They make what they sell

[@thelivingcat0210]

It certainly helps to know a guy. My Sensei managed to order me a awesome custom made lightweight mogito with a nice red sanded lacquer on the same and suede leather tsukaito among other nice features for a really low price (please excuse me if I sound like I’m bragging, I just got my hands on it today and am really exited about it)

[@TheBudoAcademy]

I would be bragging too! Best of luck with it!

[@thelivingcat0210]

@@TheBudoAcademy thank you

[@rottvang]

All my swords are put away in display. I only maintenance them. I prefer to carry my bokken instead. It's just as formidable to me as a steel sword. You are right the bokken is the way.

[@user-bm3ts2ql6s]

There is one broker in America which delivers beautiful custom Japanese made zinc alloy iaitos. They are made by the same blade maker in Japan who makes for Tonzando. They company is called swordstore. Having said that they are about the same price as Tonzando.

[@whitehorsemilitia]

From my understanding, a Katana traditionally weighs between 1.1kg and 1.5kg, my Katana is 1.3kg which is the standard weight so if you have anything that is less than 1.1kg or more than 1.5kg, then it's not ideal for practice or combat.

[@taccntb4345]

You practice with an iaito first and they are half to 3/4 the weight of a standard katana unless you were to have it custom made.

[@Keithphotorama]

I live in small town in North Carolina and there is no Iaido school anywhere nearby, so I am self taught via KZbin. I got my first Iaito $700 from Tozando as recommended. It weighs I believe 1.75 lbs and I have nothing to compare it with, so I assume it’s light weight? Use it almost every day and never had any muscle injuries. Therefore, I am hoping I made the right choice, even as I enjoy using it.

[@happytrails1963]

How is online lessons, is there much good content to learn? Finding myself in same boats there are no local places to learn.

[@zackkurs9134]

Best video by far on here about this stuff. Ty

[@TheBudoAcademy]

No Thank you!

[@notanotherswordreviewchann4901]

I've had more luck with the cheap brands than anything with the expensive ones. But word to the wise. All swords from china are all milled in the same place and these sites that customize only take blanks and do the work to your customization. So their prices are all over the place and entirely inconsistent. They take whatever you're willing to pay so for those who spend hundreds or thousands on a sword that would have cost a couple hundred, your paying a dumb buyer fee. All their "forges" do this. So you can get some good stuff cheap but it's real hit or miss. For the realest thing closest to a nihonto that one would want to use and won't break the bank, look to Motohara/Evolution Blades. Base out of South Korea. Excellent working katana.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Can't agree more, this is why we only buy Iaito from Tozando, as far as a live blades, I don't recommend anyone else anymore.

[@williamreece5763]

Swords of northshire has amazing swords and you can fully customize what you want. But then again I’m just beginning in this kind of thing so you may wanna do your own research but right now i would fully recommend swords of northshire

[@thomaswhite2802]

I have only heard good reviews about Tozando

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Yup good company

[@thomaswhite2802]

@@TheBudoAcademy I saw Tozando a while ago and was impressed, to be honest I train at home with Ryujin and have no complaints with the quality of them. I was curious to hear about Tozando so this was helpful, thanks

[@williamavery9185]

Many true nihonto especially koto blades are like holding a feather. Only the tsuba changes the weight and balance.

[@mosama22]

As a beginner def. yes, but in the end you suppose to be a sword-man, which means sooner or later you must move to steel sword, just make sure it is unsharpened and was made by a good sword smith, unless you taking this for fun or a hobby, then continue with light sword. And thank you again for another beautiful video.

[@ItsNotMeItsYou007]

What else could this be but fun or a hobby? Practicing for WW4? LOL

[@mosama22]

@@ItsNotMeItsYou007 You can continue even using a bokken if you like. But what is the fun in a hobby if you didn't keep improve or add something new / challenge every while? N.B. high dans in many of Iaijetsu / Iaido and even Kendo (katas) schools will allow your testing only with a shinken.

[@ItsNotMeItsYou007]

@@mosama22 My point was that it is for fun or a hobby no matter what kind of sword you buy. Even if you buy a sharp sword to cut mats it is still a hobby and for fun. That is unless you figure out how to get paid.

[@crappo8459]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@rikchong]

Sound advice sir. Thanks for not selling bullshit (fair amount of that here on KZbin). Tozando is also my recommendation.

[@jgaworski1]

also the quality of the steel and less and less impurities will have it weighing way less

[@paulfrank1777]

Good advice.

[@whoisfallwme]

I told my father to buy it for me and he doesn't understand katanas / swords, he bought me TETTO KABUTOWARI. And I had to buy a new one so it wasn't that big problem.

[@Εξόνιο]

Hello Budo Academy and thank you for the video!! I would like to ask you a question..A cutting sword of 1,180 grammars weight is considered heavy or not?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

No but, I would not go much heavier than that. Tozando's heavier blades are about that weight. You should be ok. Thanks for reaching out

[@Εξόνιο]

@@TheBudoAcademy Thank you very much for your opinion and advice!!

[@Εξόνιο]

@@TheBudoAcademy I found another katana sword,110 Euros more expensive but less heavy! 1068 grammars i think it's better than 1,180!!

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@Εξόνιο good for you. You should give our distance program a try, you may enjoy it. Www.thebudoacademy.com

[@josephmclaughlin5688]

I wish i could pick one up. I'm 17 so i only have a wooden one.

[@hmuphilly9129]

use that wooden one like master learning how to hold it correctly etc.

[@azarelthecreator7098]

I may be of a different breed but ive always been under the belief that if i dont use a sharp sword from the start i will never learn to respect its ability to harm me. so i only train with sharpened swords. If it cant hurt me i know it cant and i will use it accordingly. If i know it can harm me i will be far more careful when using it and learn proper safety.

[@Hiwa270]

The swords are very expensive 😔

[@gozblade]

U should choose properly my dear,if the real tamahagane katana of coursea bit expensive ,Its better to use for practice and combat.... Go to Lyuesword KZbin channel they have a lot of tamahagane Katana... Shinobu Kochou use tamahagane steel too.....

[@mrm6696]

Hey, so I don’t mean to be a nuisance but would you have any clue about whether the website “swords of northshire” can make a quality blade? I was thinking about ordering a custom blade (obviously it’s not going to truly be a custom blade) from their website for roughly $280. Would love your input.

[@The_Shadow_Gaming]

I know I'm 2 years late but I've bought 2 different swords and both have been awesome quality they feel good and aren't heavy

[@maskedfishing7168]

Any suggestions for a more budget friendly iaito?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Hi sorry for the late reply. So for budget you would have to go with unsharpened steel. I recommend Ryan sword. I have a couple of theirs. Well made. Keep in mind steel is heavier than an Alloy iaitio.

[@hmuphilly9129]

The cold steel bokken is said to weigh a actual katana i bought one and its heavy but to ne its good to build strength

[@hmuphilly9129]

@Dstroke I feel its heavier than an actual katana and the cold steel is blade bokken heavy

[@hmuphilly9129]

@Dstroke whats the balance for katanas not made in japan?

[@hmuphilly9129]

@Dstroke imagine you somehow knock down a tatami pole just the weight of a very heavy iaito sword

[@hmuphilly9129]

@Dstroke well not all of them for some reason some chinese companies decided to make 1045 steel 1050 1065 steel ones with... somewhat sharp tips sold on amazon

[@panoctic]

i think if i wanna start i will stick to the bokken in a plastic saya lol. problem i heard is that the kurigata kinda snaps in the plastic saya

[@medievilassassin]

Nine circles make really good Iaito blades steel and alloy

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Yes they do. My UK friends use them

[@danielanderson9254]

Tozondo is this the right spelling for the company that sale a good practice sword? I apprecaite what you explained in this video

[@akarimomo9219]

Damn it,I live in asia and there are no price of my country currency but it wont stop me from buying it and thanks for the information

[@TheBudoAcademy]

My pleasure, glad we are helping

[@funkmonkeyfun]

Wooden bokken, musashi silver series next, they run from $100 to $200 and you get a 1060 clay tempered katana, perfect for entry level cutting. I own a few Musashi katana and they have not let me down yet, blades are still true and the fittings are still tight after a few years of use, I can not recommend them enough. I wouldn’t ever recommend you run out and buy a $500 plus katana as your first sword until you develop skill and passion, that’s kind of like recommending somone buy a corvette as their first car, not very smart.

[@410cultivar]

Then buy a bokken. You're insane swinging around a sub 300$ sword with other people around.

[@funkmonkeyfun]

@@410cultivar riteeeee…?????

[@ammarstrutchen2359]

I guess I got lucky 4 times on Amazon with my orders but I did do my homework before selecting

[@MarimoTv]

Great video! Would you recommend a Habahiro (heavyweight blade) to a Iaidō beginner? Above 2.45 Shaku there are only Habahiro blades at Tozando

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Ahhh no a standard weight would be best

[@MarimoTv]

@@TheBudoAcademy thx for your response. I am 6 ft tall and the standard blade goes only till 2,45 Shaku.. isn‘t it a bit short for me?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@MarimoTv im 6 foot, I use a 245

[@MarimoTv]

@@TheBudoAcademy thx for your response 🙇🏽‍♂️ ..i will than also get a 2.45 Iaitō

[@Hammerli280]

Regardless of what sword art you are practicing, good swords cost money. The big headache with cheap swords is distal taper...the thickness of the blade should decrease toward the tip. In both depth and width. Cheap swords don't have this.

[@mister3135]

I didn’t find the practice katana you had in the video

[@NuevaDelJapon]

Do you recommend seido Jisei iaitos?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Yes, anything from them will be good quality,

[@harry5251]

Tanjiro Demon Slayer Sword from fire and steel. 'battle ready'

[@HDeemand]

My son is looking at enrolling iaido class and looking to buy in tozando. Is there recommended blade length for ~5’’ 7’?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

That's a smaller length blade. I would ask his teacher.if you have an issue with that just contact me through the dojo email. [e-mail]

[@HDeemand]

@@TheBudoAcademy i will ask his sensei otherwise i will reach out to you further. Thank you!

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@HDeemand you bet

[@akmhdi3626]

Hey new subcriber from Malaysia here. Very helful tips. But umm, i founded a facebook page that sells a stainless steel katana and it has been sharpened. I guess i need to buy a boken for practice.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

If it's cheap, than it's cheaply made

[@fennixshark2584]

What do you think about the Hanwei practical Wakizashi?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

I've never held one. But the company does make a decent product. If it's a live blade I don't recommend it for beginner Iai.

[@fennixshark2584]

@@TheBudoAcademy thank you very much for the quick response. I appreciate it! I was just confused because it says practical in the name, but it came with a tag that says it’s for display use only. Is that normal?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@fennixshark2584 if that's what it says . Then I would just display it.

[@fennixshark2584]

@@TheBudoAcademy thank you again! I just began watching some of your videos and they are really interesting and giving me a new perspective on swords!

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@fennixshark2584 thanks very much. Feel free to check out our distance programs. We have a whole lot more for you! Thanks for reaching out! Www.patreon.com/budo

[@owenvanderweele1125]

Is the company TrueKatana good? They have a lot of swords of various price ranges

[@TheBudoAcademy]

I don't know, sorry

[@maskedfishing7168]

What length would you recommend for a beginner?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@maskedfishing7168 depends on your height

[@maskedfishing7168]

@@TheBudoAcademy 6 foot

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@maskedfishing7168 28 inches for a beginner. Non sharp

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

What happens when you want to progress to a heavier steel sword? You may have gained good technique but possibly unable to use this as you're not strong enough?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

This is a good question but no body likes the answer lol. So once you have developed good technique, your body will absolutely know how to handle a heavier steel Iaito. I myself own a couple of steel swords. And if I used them from the beginning, I would never have developed good technique to use them. So it takes a long time! ( that's why folks don't like the answer)

[@drimdar]

What is the name of the one you recommend? The link for the specific one still has multiple ones?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Any sword from Tozando is a good buy. Most of us have the Minosaka model

[@grahamwyman1425]

Hi, I am Looking at a Nosyudo, do you know anything about this brand?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

yes I believe they are avail from Nine circles. It's gets our stamp of approval!

[@NuevaDelJapon]

do you recommend yamato budogu iaito?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Yes they are fine.

[@marcypink997]

Is E-Bogu good? I just bought a Japanese made Iaito from them for like 865...😅

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Yeah great supplier for most things. But their iaito are overpriced

[@marcypink997]

@@TheBudoAcademy Damn had a feeling. I start Iaido class on Sunday and didn't want to wait for the customs from Japan but I will definitely go with Tozando for all future purchases. Thank you

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@marcypink997 np. Tozando is the best bang for your buck

[@waynec9923]

I agree tozando and minosaka are top notch I bought a Paul Chen before I bought my tozando it was supposed to be a state of the art iato it was like a very heavy crow bar absolute waste of money

[@TheBudoAcademy]

I agree, years ago Chen made good stuff, but not anymore. It's tough to beat tozando for the price

[@DedicatedSpirit8]

I made the mistake of investing 1000+ into a katana and wakizashi... Biggest mistake. Just feeling the tsuka you can feel the cheapness. I've since started iaido and ordered my first iaito off of tozando. I wish I would've seen this video or met my sensei before I ever spent the money.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Best of luck in your training! Thanks for reaching out!

[@AlfaNOmga20]

Are those aluminum lightweight swords realisiticly battle ready? Why would somebody want to dedicate themselves to a discipline thats basically fraudulant since theres a technique aquired by cheating from a damascus to an aluminum alloy thats not sharp nor could it protect you from an attacker if you found yourself in need of battle outside the sheathe? I mean no disrespect, i am curious as to the training with no real expectation of ever being prepared. I understand the self growth and walking in the footsteps of great warriors but not as carrying on a tradition alone of learning the strict discipline only to carry a mock weapon? I would want to actually build the muscles which actually rely on battle form. Ofcourse i may be wrong assuming aluminum alloy swords are capable weaponry. That is my main question. Thank you for your i struction. I did appreciate the time you took to enlighten the public. Cheers -James F.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

An excellent question, when you look into these arts more, You will find that there is a lot more to the art than how realistic the weapon is. That's not to say steel Iaito are available to the practitioner that does wish to use one. However if a beginner starts with one, there is much more potential for self injury from poor technique. Shoulders, back ,knees and tendons can be injured with a heavier blade. And we all have to go to work tommorow ....

[@praiseyahwehandyeshua6543]

Should I buy a wakazashi? Or is that just for if you lost your sword

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Not needed for our style.

[@praiseyahwehandyeshua6543]

@@TheBudoAcademy ok thank you

[@bigguns845]

can someone put the exact link of the practice sword, there are so many swords on the website I dont want to get the wrong one

[@TheBudoAcademy]

tozandoshop.com/products/deluxe-bokuto

[@bigguns845]

Thank you for the reply, but i was asking for the sword you show at the end, not the wooden one you send me

[@TheBudoAcademy]

tozandoshop.com/collections/minosaka-iaito

[@althesmith]

A good sword isn't cheap and a cheap sword isn't good. I've been making (western style) blades for over 25 years and still get asked "Why is it so expensive when I can buy a bar of steel for less than a twentieth of the cost?" I tell them to go ahead and buy a bar of high quality steel, then try making a blade themselves.

[@mister3135]

In the website

[@jaidenrocha5512]

What do you think about sato swords?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Never heard of them

[@jaidenrocha5512]

@@TheBudoAcademy They make katanas that cut, and the prices arent too bad.

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@jaidenrocha5512 I'll check em out

[@jaidenrocha5512]

@@TheBudoAcademy Thanks.

[@hmuphilly9129]

What is your opinion about the Cold Steel trainers well specifically the bokken that is made and to feel like using an actual katana?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

I would have to have one in my hand.

[@hmuphilly9129]

@@TheBudoAcademy Understood.

[@johnbravo1005]

Your description is misleading. I clicked it thinking you were going to talk about real swords

[@AlbinoBread-zm5ef]

Hmm i have 2 katanas that are 125 dollars

[@howareu4549]

people want the sharp ones for killing not training.

[@shadowcastre]

Question... No one really ever wants to give me a straight answer. Is there a direct relationship between length/weight of blade to one's body height & weight? I ask because the average Japanese man is only 5'6" and wields an average blade length of 28 inches. At 6'5" & 230#, this size feels small and toy like in my hands. Thanks for the video...

[@TheBudoAcademy]

Yes absolutely!, You need to figure how long the blade needs to be, It also depends on the art. Our particular dojo measures it this way: Standing upright hold the sword in your hand, point the sword to the floor next to your leg, the tip should be just below your ankle bone. If it scrapes the floor, it's too long.

[@shadowcastre]

@@TheBudoAcademy Thanks...

[@TheBudoAcademy]

@@shadowcastre you bet

[@markusdummer4819]

Hello. If you order a Katana in Japan, that is specially made for you, then they produce it regarding to your Body measurements. I think the weight will regard to the dimensions /length of the katana / Iaito.

[@marcosgarcia-tornel4677]

@@TheBudoAcademy Can emphasis the "depends on the art part", in the style I practice, it should touch the floor about one fist in front of your foot (so a little longer than usual). So, as always, the answer is "ask your sensei".

[@jacquelinefrank1453]

is it ok if you have a colored blade?

[@snowtail1951]

I know that they're more for decoration and roleplay, but would a sword from TrueKatana be usable? Or are only their wooden swords recommended? Or none of their swords at all?

[@TheBudoAcademy]

They seem like they are built well. I would need one in my hand to examine the weight distribution. They seem to be made of Steel. Other than that I couldn't comment. Most wooden swords are fine just keep an eye on wrist and forearm strain.

[@jedeckert9525]

I’ve bought one from true katana that claims to be t10 steel with a natural hamon. Hamon is acid etched so I’ll just assume blade is not t10. Balance is terrible, very forward heavy.

[@tengu190]

Why I inspect everything that a student buys. Especially new students who have gear. I've rejected shinai and bokken they have due to it being crap. Swordstore offers steel iaito.

[@francoismorin8721]

A traditional Katana was not made of quality steel like today. This is why they folded it so much to compensate. So MAYBE in TRADITIONAL Iado, it has more to do qith the quality of the balance of the sword. I respect all this sensei says here, but if you want to go traditional, you will be wearing a slightly heavier sword. Now, I also want to use plastic polypropylène bokken. I just ordered one because I want to start practicing japenese sword again. It is new technologies. So going traditional is not always the most logical thing to do. I just wanted to point out not to be tricked in believing samourais had modern equivalent sword weight wise. So maybe you should practice with lighter then go to heavier for some occasion if you want to be traditional. Again with all respect, because I do not have the skills of the Budo academy sensei.

[@ezioadonis8039]

$500 for an iaito ? Lol 😂 oh man $200 for a saya ?

[@anotakudetective1546]

That says costs more than the custom katana I want to get from hanbon 😂

[@ShepherdsSheepdog]

Iado? Who cares about the quality of the "sword"?

[@fabianschrader-sa8652]

Look at Katanamart.com.