The first thing I noticed out of the box was its heavy construction (in red oak). It's very nice other than having a few rough edges (the tip, the edges of the handguard and pommel). The only thing bad about the sword is that under the handguard, where the handle is attached, it's a bit wobbly. Overall, I was pleased with the product right down to the engravings on the handguard and pommel. A little sanding and some extra glue will make this sword just about right.  Permalink

The sword should serve just fine for practicing forms, but there is no way it would hold up to sparring or work as a nice display piece. The reason being that the sword was worm-ridden! There was one squiggly groove about an eighth of an inch deep in the middle of the blade, and multiple other small patches on the surface where the finish appears to have been worn away.  Permalink

This wood sword is perfect for form practice, especially for beginners. It is well-balanced and has the proper handle to give the impression of training with a real sword. The engravings add a nice touch, perfect buy for a perfect price, everyone should own one.  Permalink

First, this IS a nice wooden jian. It is well-balanced, made of reasonably high quality wood, and the dimensions are about right. The only dings against it in my book are that it is not in fact made of a single piece of wood. There is a joint at the handguard that is well-fitted with glue and could present a compromise in strength. Second, the corners on the bottom of the handguard where it occassionally rubs against the hand are a bit sharp and left a little sore spot on the top of my hand after spending some time practicing a few movements. I'll just sand those out though, so not a major issue.

Overall.. Much better than the other (obviously two-piece) versions everyone seems to be carrying nowdays. Just a bit bummed it's not one piece like older models I've seen.
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Not only does the sword look good, but it is solid. I can't see anything happening to it through standard practice. I would not strike another weapon with it, due to its thin blade, but that isn't an issue since its a tai chi sword. It should never more than glance another weapon anyway. This is a graceful weapon, not a basher.  Permalink

This wooden sword is ideal for the practice of sword form. It's lighter then a steel sword and also being wooden, a non-threatening abstraction of a weapon, nicely finished! I am even getting another sword to shorten for my daughter.  Permalink

When I first received this sword, I immediately gave it the once over. I have had wooden practice swords before, and even crafted some myself, and I must say that this hardwood Tai Chi sword is much better than those which are crafted from two pieces. This one piece construction, along with excellent shaping and carving to represent the classic Tai Chi sword, makes this an excellent alternative to steel practice, and incredibly affordable. The weight is very decent, and carving of the pictographs and Yin-Yang, a nice touch.  Permalink