Do you practice iaido or other Japanese sword arts? We have iaito swords that are built for martial artists just like you. Whether you’ve been practicing for a week, a year, or ten years, these blades will complement your training and help you become the best martial artist that you can be. With superb design and excellent functionality, our iaito swords let you practice safely and properly. We have high carbon steel blades as well as stainless steel ones. Some of our stainless steel iaito even have a deep groove in the blade to provide audible feedback when swung correctly.
Our iaito swords are priced competitively and we carry a broad range to suit every budget. Though, be it an economic or deluxe sword, each item features traditional construction, high quality materials, and excellent workmanship. These Japanese swords are not just for practicing martial arts, but are also suitable for display.
Iaito is the term used by iaido practitioners to refer to mogito, an imitation sword used for practicing certain Japanese martial arts. Most iaito swords have blades that are aluminum-zinc alloy, making them lighter than and not as costly as steel swords.
The alloy material and dull edge of iaito swords also complies with Japan’s legal restrictions on the production of Japanese swords made of ferrous metals. Iaito from Japan are built for practice only; they are not suitable for actual combat and should not come into contact with another blade or object. An alloy blade is a good one if it is an accurate replica of a real sword and features authentic shape, weight, and high quality finish and fittings.
Some iaito are made of high carbon steel and require more care and maintenance to prevent rusting. Since high carbon steel is stronger than aluminum-zinc alloy, swords made of this material feel more like the real thing.
Not all iaito swords are the same. An iaito sword for an advanced iaido practitioner may not be suitable for a beginner, though there are some versatile blades that may be used by all levels. There are also models that weigh less to cater to juniors and women, while others are reproductions of famous samurai swords.
The jidai (period) style iaito sword is preferred by several iaido schools and instructors. Usually, the shape of the tsuka (handle) is narrower in the middle and wider at the bottom; hence, it is safer for new students. The koshirae (mountings or fittings) is simple and liked by many. Jidai style iaito are based on like swords that were popular from the 14th to 16th centuries and used during the Warring States period.
Higo style features more metal in the fittings than jidai style. Back in feudal Japan, the metal artisans of Higo province, who worked well with copper, brass, iron, and cloisonne, were supported by the daimyo. Higo style iaito are characterized by kashira (pommel) and kojiri (end of the scabbard) that are rounded; possibly black same (ray skin for covering the tsuka); and usually leather tsuka-ito (tsuka wrapping or tape). A variation of higo style is Edo higo koshirae, which has a simpler saya (scabbard) and natural colored same, and does not have a metal kojiri.
For safe and correct iaido practice, it is important for the length, weight, and balance of an iaito sword to match the strength and build of the student. When in doubt, always check first with your instructor.
