This practice sword is very durable, i've hit it many times with the intention of trying to bust it, but it hard takes a scratch. Although i took off a few inches on the handle because i wanted to use it as a one handed sword, it stays in great shape. The only downfalls are the price and the amount of rebound when you strike the bokken on something, doesn't vibrate but bounces back considerably. Still think it was worth the buy though, and hope the price comes down so i can get a second one; my style is used with twin swords.