Iaito from Japan

You can buy Iaito from us! This is of course the original from Japan.

Buy Iaito: The art of Japanese sword fighting

If you want to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Japanese sword fighting, buying a Japanese Iaito is one of the important first steps.

The Iaito is a replica of a real Japanese katana that is specially made for training.

The Iaito is of crucial importance for any serious student of this discipline. The first training sword is often kept for life, even if other swords are added later.

Unlike a real katana, an iaito is not sharp and has no cutting edge.

The hardening line that can be seen on the blades is artificially created to imitate the look of a real blade in greater detail.

The differences between an iaito and a real katana

Although the training swords look almost like real katana, there are some important differences that need to be taken into account.

Firstly, an Iaito is not sharp and has no cutting edge. This makes it safer for training and significantly reduces the risk of injury.

Secondly, the blade of an iaito is made of a mixture of zinc and aluminium, while that of a real katana is made of hardened steel designed for combat.

Thirdly, an iaito is usually lighter than a real katana, which makes it easier to perform fast and precise movements.

Why zinc-aluminium in Japanese Iaito?

Legal situation

The origin lies in Japanese weapons law. Swords with a steel blade are considered a weapon in Japan, even if the blade is blunt.

The use of a different material is necessary to differentiate it. Zinc-aluminium alloys look similar to steel and have other advantages.

Sharpness

The blade of a Japanese training sword is blunt. The compound from which the blade is made has the property that it cannot be sharpened and does not retain its sharpness.

This makes the material ideal for making training swords

Weight

As the material is lighter than steel, the swords are even more suitable for training sessions.

A katana with a steel blade usually weighs between 1000 and 1200 grams. Iaito are quite a bit lighter at around 800 grams.

This is easy on the joints and training with these swords is possible into old age.

Important properties of an Iaito

When buying an Iaito, there are some important quality features that you should look out for to ensure that you get a high-quality and durable sword.

We have already written about the blade above.

The hand guard (tsuba) should be well made and sit securely on the blade.

The grip is best lined with seed, as this is where the grip tape holds best. And of course it should be wrapped in traditional cotton (tsuka-ito) or even higher quality material.

The easiest way to recognise a cheaply made iaito is by the tightness of the grip tape winding. Time is often saved in this processing step, which leads to a loose grip tape.

Our Iaito from Japan are of course also excellent when it comes to this detail.

Finally, the sword should have a high-quality wooden scabbard (saya) that fits properly and is durable.

Nevertheless, the saya is a wearing part that needs to be replaced from time to time during intensive training.

We offer corresponding spare parts in the category Katana saya.

Buy high-quality Iaito in Germany

If you want to buy a high-quality Iaito, we are your contact in Europe.

We work together with Japanese workshops and offer a corresponding range so that you can buy the right Iaito from us without the hassle of import and customs.

Buying an Iaito is an important step for every student of Japanese swordsmanship. We offer different models so that you can purchase the sword that suits you perfectly.

So don't hesitate and get involved by buying your own Iaito today.

If you are still unsure and have any questions, you can of course contact us at any time. Contact us!