Practice Swords

There are a few different kinds of tools that could be considered "practice" swords, but what I'm referring to here are Iaito (If you're looking for information on wooden swords - bokken - click here. If you're looking for bamboo swords - shinai - click here).

Simply put, Iaito are metal swords without a sharp edge. They are usually made of either steel or aluminum. Iaito practice swords are most commonly used by Iaido practitioners. However, practice swords can be a great training tool for any Japanese sword art . They provide the look and feel of a real sword that a bokken or shinai can't. The way a real sword draws, the way it feels in your hands is quite different than the way a bokken or shinai feels. If you're serious about your sword training, but don't want to deal with the dangers of a live blade, an Iaito is the way to go.

Expect to pay about the same amount on an Iaito that you would on a sharp sword.

Why?

Because most practice swords are made in the same way as a sharpened sword. They can be forged in steel, or shaped from aluminum. The fixtures, handle, and wrapping are equal to a real sword of the same price. Either way, they are strong enough to be drawn and swung repeatedly...but don't try to hit anything with it! You could damage or break the blade.