MAKOTO Shinai Bamboo Swords for Kendo Practice - Pair of 2

While these Shinai are inexpensive, they are not suitable for competition or sparring. When I bought these, my sensei and experienced teammembers told me that, while this was ok for cutting practice alone, they should NOT be used in competition or sparring. I asked why.Here's why:1. The bamboo is unfinished; this will lead to splintering and cracks, that develop very quickly, and are dangerous.2. The leather is very thin, which means the shinai will wear out more quickly.3. The leather at the tsuba, or handguard, is not rolled- it has a bit of string inside against the bamboo to stop the tsuba from riding up the blade.All in all, the headline for this item lies- these are not suitable for contact with another shinai, let alone competition. Only buy these if you will be practicing alone, solo cuts, or other activities that do not involve shinai-to-shinai contact.

These are just awful. Of course this is my opinion so others may feel different but these are awful. I use canes like this for sparring and training and figured I would try this out. I do not believe it is made out of bamboo and more so just regular wood slats. It doesnt bend or have the impact a regular legit bamboo cane would have. Also it has started to splinter a little bit while trying to bend them a little and use them for sparring. The package also says it is for display only which I do not see posted on this description. I would avoid. Their is a reason it is a cheap price for a set of two. Cheaper doesnt always mean quality

I purchased these for stage combat demonstration purposes. Within less than three days of use one of the wraps on one of the shinai broke. While they still work and we were able to add an additional wrapping ourselves, it was disappointing that they couldn't hold up under regular use after only three days.

The main worry I had about these shinai is if they would be durable enough for daily use being swing and hit for hours. After getting them they turned out to be very well made. Solid bamboo bound tightly together with what seems to copper wire. Mine didn't come with a fancy handle guard like the picture showed but maybe that was a manufactureing mishap.Overall I am very happy with this purchase

Great way to relieve tension and to pretend sword fighting without the swords!!

Poor quality asked for refund ..didn't last 2 shiais

Bought this item as a gift. It arrived faster than i expected and was in perfect condition. I am sure the receiver of this gift will be very happy with it.

You get what you pay for, this is not good for sparring or competition but I think it's fine for light sparring and practice swinging. All and all I'm ok with my purchase.