The bokken is a traditional Japanese wooden sword in the shape of the katana sword. It served for hundreds of years as the safe training weapon for samurai warriors and is still used today in martial arts training.
This bokken and shoto (short sword) were handcrafted in Iwakuni, Japan, by a former active duty US Marine. Both pieces were cut and shaped from a single piece of dark wenge wood, a dark wood with black, straight grain streaks native to Africa. Wenge also makes beautiful veneer, furniture and even musical instruments, where its color and grain are highly prized. John Redfield cut, shaped and hand-sanded both the bokken and shoto, then crafted the hinged cherry stand.
The bokken has a long and honorable history. More than decoration or a practice tool, the bokken was often used as a weapon itself. According to legend, Miyamoto Musashi, a kenjutsu master, defeated Sasaki Kojiro with a bokken he carved from an oar while sailing to the an island for a duel with Kojiro. Today the bokken is used during kata and to teach martial artists to safely handle and practice with the sword. 
These pieces are intended as ART. These are not intended for martial arts or practice. This order includes the bokken, shoto and display stand.
With their accompanying cherry wood stand, the dark beauty of these art pieces with its subtle grain will make the perfect Japanese display piece on your mantel.
Dimensions:
Bokken: 36 1/4″ x 1 5/8″ x 1″
Shoto: 23 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 1″
Stand: 6″ (h) x 9 1/8″ (1 side)) x 13 1/2″ (open width)
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