practice equipment

[mwinter]

I currently use an iai-to given to my by an instructor, and would like to buy a second.
the katana i currently use is a practice blade, sharp but not exceptionally robust. it was specifically made for iai practice by a Japanee company whose name I do not recall. the only markings are on the tang, and my Japanese is, um, rusty. (saltwater corroded is more like it...)
I'd like to know from Rob and anyone else who practices classical iai about the Bugei swords. I've seen their website, and i just wanna know if they are worth the price. it all looks and sounds great, but hey so did my Buckmaster (grrr...)
I'm willing to spend the money if the users out there can tell me more about them.
thanks much.

 

[Robert Marotz]

I don't know all the individual models personally, but Bugei has a very good QC system and their standard line stuff from Chen is good (IMO), but their real value is in the customs, which are by Howard Clark. Of course, there's an itsy bitsy lil step in price (hehe) but it's worth it. However, I have heard many of the Chen offerings they carry are fairly hefty and more suited to cutting than kata. And you probably know as well as I do that just being strong does not compensate for blade-oriented balance. The product is good, but you have to find what suits you. Best to contact Bugei and ask what would be most suitable for you in terms of balance and sturdiness. They know swords pretty well, so I would not hesitate to trust their judgement.

Shinryû.