I originally purchased a White Oak Bokken (very good quality) so I decided to purchase 3 Red Oak Bokken. These bokken are tremendously priced and will make for good practice swords but would not hold up against a well made bokken because there are small defects in the selection and craftmanship of the swords. Two of them had the grain running diagonally through the blade and one had a small gouge where the handle typically is located. I can sand out and potentially fill the small gouge but the other factors can't be fixed. The weight of these swords seem very similar to a real Katana. Maybe a little (very little) bit heavier. If you are wondering if the quality of the red oak bokken is the same as the white oak bokken... it is not. I own a white oak bokken from Karate Depot and will continue to purchase white oak bokken from Karate Depot.

This is a very good bokken. This bokken's weight is very close to a real Katana. The wood seems to be in terrific shape but I would recommend conditioning it in Tung oil before its first practice to fully strengthen it. My only negative comment is that my bokken's grain is at a diagonal angle at the curve of the blade. Superior quality bokken will have the wood grain always run parallel to the blade. This diagonal angle might cause a split in the sword at some point in the future but I will reiterate that the bokken is very close to a real katana and for only $15 and $2.95 shipping... it is a stupendous value. If you want a superior bokken don't expect it from this item. I truly believe that you either 1) need to visit the shop and keenly examine the bokken you are purchasing, 2) get a money back guarantee from an on-line dealer allowing you to return the bokken if you are unsatisfied in any way, or 3) buy from a reputable and recommended craftsman who will typically offer a guarantee and provide you with only high quality merchandise.