This is an excellent bokken, with quality material and craftsmanship. The tsuba is rather difficult to install and remove, but that's not much of a problem. My bokken has survived sparring with a metal pole wielded like a Bo staff, being used to mercilessly beat a phonebook (overhead strike), being struck against trees, ect. It will easily break a 1/2'' board held on one end. From all this abuse, it only has some small dents and grass stains to show for it. The water-resistant finish is still intact, which allows for easy cleaning. The bokken accurately replicates the length, weight, shape, and curvature of a real katana. However, the point of balance is too high, which tires the arms after a few minutes of use. The only other problem is that it does not specify if the white oak is American or Japanese (Kashi), the latter being the superior wood. My assumption is that it is kashi. All in all, a great product, the price is right, and I enjoy using it.