Iaito / Shinken - Lightweight
(Extracted from Iaido-L)

From: "Kaimon"
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2002 7:45 AM

Hello listkas,

I know, I'm a bit late, because last month' threads about buying iaito/shinken and about weight causing strain illnesses is almost gone, but I would like to ask you for advice. I'm presently not training Iai because of some "repetive strain illness" in the forearm (sort of tennis elbow) - it's not from iaido, it's from working with the computer mouse, but it gets worse when I train. I can't do anything about the un-ergonomic computer (we have to buy what MS et al. sell), so I stopped training. I used to train with a lightweight iaito (< 800g), but it is still too heavy. I can train with a bokken of ca. 650 g more or less without worsening the pain, but its not that much fun.

Does anybody know about a supplier who has a iaito around 700 g? Or about one slightly heavier but with an exellent balance (which means most weight in tsuka)? And, european people on the list: is there a shop with a good selection of iaitos on stock? Or a seminar where suppliers go and you can try out different types?

And, Michael Edelson, I would love to have a shinken, but I'm quite shure, there won't be one that light. Just for curiosity, question to everybody: how heavy are your shinken?

Any other tips? (Maybe somebody knows an ergonomic mouse substitute?)

Thanks
Inken

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> On Wed, 20 Mar 2002, Bob Elder wrote:
I sell Shinken from Japan that were made for the "French" market. They are really light. www.ecmas.com. Sorry about the commercial post, I could have had some one else do it I guess. But I think Kim thinks that's chicken. Bob Elder

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On Wed, 20 Mar 2002, Bob Elder wrote:
> I sell Shinken from Japan that were made for the "French" market. They are
> really light. www.ecmas.com. Sorry about the commercial post, I could have
> had some one else do it I guess. But I think Kim thinks that's chicken.

Damned right, step up and take the hit yourself!

So what's the "French" market anyway, just that they were made for export
to France?

Kim "hoping it's something more interesting than that"

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I was told by sensei  ( of course who knows where he heard it) that "the French" iai do guys want a cutting sword as light as a mogito but sharp enough to cut with. But they don't want to cut. So he sent me 3 of them. They are light as all get out, with grooves. Nice suede wrap. I told him no one I knew would buy one, but hey what do I know....Anyway I bet that is not the case, but hey, I been out in the sun too long without a hat on. Baldy Bob

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Last updated on 13 Sep 2002