Читать книгу Kendo. A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Swordsmanship онлайн

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Unfortunately there is no guarantee that an expensive shinai will last longer than a cheap one.

If, on the other hand, you need a long lasting shinai, you can always purchase a carbon fiber version. These are comparatively expensive but seldom break or go out of shape. The potential disadvantages are that they are less flexible and responsive than bamboo.

Shinai Maintenance

Shinai should be regularly examined for splinters and sanded if they appear. You should also check the inside of the take for cracks and splits. If a take is damaged it should be replaced. For this reason many people buy shinai in pairs of the same size and configuration so that they can marry the take. In my experience though, these “Frankenshinai” seldom last long.

There are a variety of views on oiling and waxing shinai to prolong their life. I believe that it helps to keep the shinai for a few months before use, as this gives it time to adjust to the local humidity. As mentioned, you can buy shinai with or without the leather fittings. There are pros and cons to buying them with or without. If you buy with fittings, a professional shinai maker or bogu shop will use a machine to ensure a good fit for the tsukagawa. Buying the bamboo only, allows you to examine the shinai for uniformity of thickness. If you buy the bamboo and parts separately or take the shinai apart to make repairs, here is what you need to do to tie or retie the parts.