In the study of Japanese sword arts, speed and precision are critical. Duels ended quickly with the faster, more skilled swordsman being the one to walk away. At times, two swords were used in unison; a katana and a wakizashi or tanto. Wakizashi were used by themselves indoors as Katana were not worn indoors.  In modern times, Japanese sword arts have moved beyond the practical and become arts of exercise and meditation, helping the practitioner to hone their bodies, minds and spirits.

If one wishes to pursue study of Japanese sword arts, one must first acquire a good beginner’s sword. In iaido specifically, beginners all start with iaito, or unsharpened swords. This allows practitioners to practice with what is, for all intents and purposes, a real sword, and helps get them used to weight, balance, safety and maintenance procedures without the danger element a sharpened blade brings. It is always best to start with a light iaito and work up to heavier swords as muscle tone and skill level increase.

Our Kihané wakizashi is a perfect iaito for both beginning and advanced students of iaido who are looking for something a little heavier. It is made of stainless steel, giving it the weight and feel of a real sword. It features a prominent bohi which offers an audible whistle when edge alignment is correct.  It’s also aesthetically pleasing; it features a lovely etched hamon, sukashi tsuba, real ray skin and cotton ito. Kihané:  a heavier feather.

• Overall Length: 27 "
• Blade: Unsharpened
• Nagasa Length: 19.75 "
• Blade Length (including habaki): 19.75 "
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Tsuka Length: 7.25 "
• Blade Thickness @ Habaki: 0.312 "
• Sori: 0.4
• Blade Thickness @ Kissaki: 0.224 "
• Kissaki Length: 1.402 "
• Blade Width @ Habaki: 1.213 "
• Blade Width @ Kissaki: 0.860 "
• Hamon: Aesthetic
• Weight W/O Saya: 1.70 Lb
• Balance Point: 3.5 " from Tsuba
• Tsuba Material: Iron
• Ito & Sageo Material: Cotton
• Fuchi Kashira Material: Iron & Brass
• Sword Name: Kihané (Wood Feather)
• Mekugi: Double Pin
• Collection: Yuki
• Condition: Brand New
• Manufacturer: Munetoshi