Bamboo
Shinai
| BAMBOO
SHINAI
Approximately 38 or 47 Inches Long
Straight from the scenes of Singapore, this martial arts weapon is opening eyes everywhere. This
solid bamboo sword is designed for use as either a practice sword or a lightweight fighting tool. If you do not foresee a bamboo dual in your future, the unique design of this weapon makes for a superb conversation piece. Now $24.99. |
Bamboo
Shinai On
Sale $24.99
Two Sizes 38 and 47 Inch
|
What if my training partner doesn't have a shinai?
When training with fukurojinai, you should be careful to use shinai against
other shinai, as striking a blade or bokken against a shinai could lead to the
shinai being damaged. A shinai may also be damaged if you or your training
partner fail to use proper technique. If either swings his or her shinai in
large, arcing blows, in a manner reminiscent of a Viking's two-handed sword,
the receiving shinai might very well suffer a fracture or could even break.
Whether training with a shinai or a bokken, one should stay true to the spirit
of wielding a true Japanese katana.
How do I know where the blade is on a shinai?
With a katana, or sword, the cutting edge is obvious. With a shinai, of course
there is no cutting edge, but for proper training, an imaginary one must be
designated. In the Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, the stitching that runs the entire
length of the shinai conveniently serves as the cutting edge. Bu Jin Design
shinai feature similar stitching, and it is advisable to personally designate
a cutting edge, whether it be the stitching itself or the side opposite the
stitching, and then to consistently use the given designation.
How should I go about varnishing my shinai, if I decide I want to?
With prolonged and heavy use, the leather on the fukurojinai may become
abraded and wear down in places. To prevent this, you can apply a wood
varnish, shellac, or polyurethane to the leather to protect it. This will, in
turn, provide protection to the bamboo within the casing as well. Be aware
that this process will significantly harden and darken the leather. The
hardened leather will be less forgiving to a training partner than uncoated
suede, so please train accordingly.
Simply brush a coat of the finishing agent onto the cylindrical leather casing, taking care not to coat the leather thong that wraps the hilt. If you prefer to coat the hilt wrapping, you must unwrap it, coat it, and then re-wrap it after it has dried. (The wrapping needs to remain supple in the event that the bamboo needs replacing.) Let the first coat dry completely, then use fine grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up the surface, so the next coat will adhere. With two or three repetitions of these steps, the fukurojinai will become very durable. It should be noted that this process is entirely optional.
