Wasn't quite sure of this particular Tanto. I usually would get plain Jane Tantos so seeing this one with it's corded-wrap handle and metal Fushi kinda made me unsure. It does look fantastic in person though and well worth the price.

My Sensei had seen it, walked over to it, picked it up, asked who's it was and I bashfully raised my hand (ready to wince). He then proceeded to look at it once more, nodded and put it back down - It was now Sensei approved lol

Though you may, perhaps, find it a little uncomfortable with very sweaty palms (perhaps), it's not too different from more traditional plain Tantos in this regard. At the end of the day, a Tanto is a Tanto and this one is a stylish and great one that people will take notice of and it feels great in hand.  Permalink

I've had this for over two years now. I initially got it cause I wanted something fairly affordable (cheap) as I had just started some more advanced weapons training and had seen some JOs selling at four to five times the price. Well, years later, I understand a bit better now.

I would say this item is more to a Jo what a Suburi is to a Bokken. If for some odd reason you're looking for a good strength training item then this might be what you're looking for but I certainly cannot/would not recommend this to beginners as it will throw off your posture and may cause injury to yourself.

As earlier stated, this is not a Jo. It is - as my Sensei most disapprovingly put it - "a big chunk of wood". At 1-1/4" in diameter, this is way too thick and heavy but the length is fairly the norm. You should be looking for something round the 1" mark or even slightly less... in my meek, humble opinion.

It is a nice, smooth chunk of wood, but a chunk of wood none-the-less.  Permalink

I got this Bokken two years ago and have been using it constantly. It is not like a traditional Bokken used by intermediate and advanced weapons practitioners but it is still a good Bokken that can be used by all skill levels but best suited for beginners looking for a bargain on their first Bokken.

It stands up remarkably well to full contact but seeing as it is not treated wood, you'll eventually get nicks and cracks at points which you'll just have to use sand paper and wood oil to keep it maintained. The Dragon design is neat and a bit stylish but is covered up by your hands so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb during practice. The Dragon carving may be uncomfortable to some at first but I quickly adjusted to the feel with little issue.

I believe my Sensei had used it once during class for a quick demonstration which wouldn't have happened if he didn't approve of it so it's likely your Sensei may not flinch at the sight of it too.

Though I have since gotten a more proper traditional Bokken, I still use and/or loan this Bokken out to new comers and I can certainly still wholeheartedly recommend this for early beginners looking for a bargain but with the understanding it is not your typical "proper" traditional Bokken used in arts like Aikido or Jodo. This Bokken came with two brown Tsubas.   Permalink