Practical Plus Iaito (Hanwei), Stainless Steel Blade, Various Lengths (SH6001)
Are you looking for an affordable yet authentic training sword for Iaido practice? The Practical Plus Iaito by Hanwei (SH6001) is an excellent choice. This sword is designed specifically for martial artists who require reliability and correct balance. Its stainless steel blade is completely blunt (unsharpened), ensuring maximum safety while practising kata and forms. The handle (Tsuka) is covered with genuine rayskin (Same) and tightly wrapped with a cotton cord (Tsuka-Ito). For a secure fit, the handle is attached to the tang with two pegs (Mekugi). The sword features detailed fittings, including dragon Menuki, a Kashira with a dogwood theme, and a beautiful iron Tsuba in a "sun-ray" design. Further product information ...
The following variants are currently available:
Practical Plus Iaito (Hanwei), Stainless Steel Blade, Various Lengths (SH6001)
Designed for Iaido Practitioners
This Iaito (居合刀) is a training tool intended exclusively for Iaido – the Japanese martial art of drawing the sword. It is designed to closely match the appearance, weight, and balance of a live-bladed sword (Katana), but with one key difference: the blade is blunt and not hardened. This allows for the safe practice of forms (kata), drawing, cutting the air, and returning the sword to its scabbard (Saya) without risk of injury.
Authentic Fittings (Koshirae)
This sword features traditional and tasteful fittings, giving it an authentic appearance:
- Tsuka (Handle): A hardwood core covered with genuine rayskin (Samegawa) and tightly wrapped with a black cotton cord (Tsuka-Ito). The handle is secured to the tang with two pegs (Mekugi) for maximum safety.
- Menuki: Decorative ornaments under the wrap with a dragon motif.
- Kashira (Pommel): The buttcap of the handle, decorated with a dogwood flower motif.
- Tsuba (Guard): A beautiful pierced iron guard with a "sun-ray" design (reminiscent of a chrysanthemum).
- Habaki (Blade Collar): Made of brass.
- Saya (Scabbard): A black lacquered wooden scabbard with a black cotton cord (Sageo).
Stainless Steel Blade
A major advantage of this Iaito is its stainless steel blade. Unlike carbon steel blades, it does not require meticulous maintenance (like constant oiling) to prevent rust. This is ideal for frequent training where the blade may come into contact with sweat. Nevertheless, we recommend wiping the blade dry after each practice session.
Specifications Table
This model is available in three different blade lengths to suit the practitioner's height and preference. All other specifications remain the same.
| Parameter | 27" Version (SH6001IGC) | 28" Version (SH6001IGE) | 29" Version (SH6001IGG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Material: | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Overall Length: | approx. 97.8 cm (38.5") | approx. 100.3 cm (39.5") | approx. 102.1 cm (40.2") |
| Blade Length: | approx. 68.6 cm (27") | approx. 71.1 cm (28") | approx. 73.7 cm (29") |
| Handle Length: | approx. 26.7 cm (10.5") | ||
| Weight: | approx. 822 g (1 lb 13 oz) | approx. 850 g (1 lb 14 oz) | approx. 879 g (1 lb 15 oz) |
| Curvature (Sori): | approx. 1.9 cm (0.75") | ||
| Blade Width at Guard: | approx. 3.0 cm | ||
| Blade Width at Tip: | approx. 2.2 cm | ||
| Blade Thickness at Guard: | approx. 7 mm | ||
| Blade Thickness at Tip: | approx. 5 mm | ||
Please note: Specifications may vary slightly from piece to piece.
How to Care for and Handle Your Iaito
Although the blade is stainless, you should always wipe it with a soft cloth after practice to remove sweat and fingerprints. Regularly check the tightness of the wrap (Ito) and the security of the pegs (Mekugi). Never attempt to replace the pegs with anything other than dedicated bamboo pegs.
You can use a traditional sword maintenance kit (SKU 010103001) to care for the fittings and clean the blade. For safe transport, we recommend purchasing a sword bag (e.g., SKU 010700010).
IMPORTANT WARNING
This is a training tool, not a weapon. The blade is BLUNT and is not designed, hardened, or intended for:
- Contact sparring or combat
- Cutting tests (Tameshigiri) on any material
- Any use other than the practice of Iaido forms
Attempting to use this Iaito for cutting or combat may lead to catastrophic failure (blade breakage) and cause severe or fatal injury to yourself or bystanders. Use it only for its intended purpose at your own risk and with the utmost caution.
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