@dogongood So I would set its proper length NO LONGER then I could draw it from the saya quickly and cleanly. Also, the handle would be shorter. About two hands wide. Other then that, just carve it the same.
One of the things I don’t really take into consideration when I make a bokken is the length is relation to drawing it. In aikiken practice it’s generally assumed the weapon is already drawn. Iaido really concentrates more on the “draw” itself. But with the short sword there can be very little Aikido style of sword implied, we just don’t use that thing.
im into swords and this is the first ive herd of bokkens so im disappointed in myself but what about if you want to make the blade longer in how high it is like maby 2 to 3 times bigger.
In my experience, all duct tape does is 1) make your bokken (or waster if you are using a western style wood-sword) look like crap, 2) lets everyone know you're a noob, 3) simply hides any damage that may occur, making it less safe overall because you'll never see the split developing until it shatters in your hands, and 4) makes the finish all gummy when you finally get sick of it and peel it off. Don't use duct tape, as great as it is, for this application.
hey i have another question i forgot to add on my last comment:if i where to use that 1x2,would i be able to soak it in water and let it dry in a couple quick-clamps?
it depends on the wood you are using- but the best thing to think about when do-is bow making-- now a steaming is great- if you have a professional shop and can afford 500 dollars- but, just think steam rises- and steam can get caught in a curve so use a trap-put your wood in the tarp and drape it over the pot with a heat steam the living shit out of it the clamp it to the frame you are going to use- and just put it in a corner for two or three days and let it air dry-
i have a couple questions:could i use a normal 1x2?how did you do the plaining,just basically make it round?if i where to use a 1x2 would i be able to bend it also between the trees as you said?thanks for the help!^.^
technically, there is no such thing as double-bladed bookens due to the fact that they are specifically made as bent single bladeded swords. What i think he is saying is a wooden claymore.
actually, bokken literally just means "wood sword." Typically, yes, they are meant to resemble japanese tachi or katana. A wooden claymore would technically still be a bokken. "wooden sword"
I'm assuming you mean a double bladed weapon, not a bladed version of a staff, with a grip in the middle (totally impractical btw). That would be a western or even chinese training weapon. Western ones are called wasters, no matter what size or style, whereas the Chinese version is a "jian" (double edged sword; not sure what the chinese designation for 'wooden' is sorry). Should be able to make one with a straight blank, just take out the curve.
Since I was using a belt sander I was able to make the bokken out of a shovelstick in about 2hrs. but thats also due to the fact that I dont make flat plains on the back of the bokken and a shovelstick is already rounded so I don't have to take as much wood off as you do.
and I don't mind it not being that finely finished since i also made it to use and not as display.
wow thats pretty good i never really worked with would im 15 and it looks like a fun project so what was the wood you recommend?? and do the woods come curved like that all the time or what?
wel, i always recommend a Impact Grade Hickory for weapons. The blanks you see me making these weapons out of I manufacture and sell. If you get your own wood watch Part 1 of this series and i point out what to look for in a proper piece of wood.
This is awesome, I've alway wanted to make one of my own bokkens...
I live in Boston, what's the best way to get a blank from you if I were interested (convince the wife I'll actually finish the project). Or would you suggest heading out on my own to find a blank.
Also, what do you think about using laminated wood for a bokken
well, i dont to boston to often, but i do keep a few blanks at Methuen Aikido. or i can send you them, either way. Now about Laminated Bokken. I have had then in the past. I have nothing against them, but i dont them. things that can give WILL give. things that cant give, WILL break.two things that i dont want happening on the mat.1)i dont want to feel the shock EVERYtime weapons clash). 2)i dont want to break everybudy elses bokken. not cool. A grain correct weapon lasts longer and feel better
Heh, I have carved things with nothing but a knife, I made a shelf with just a big knife. I find this sort of work primitive, and thats what I like to work.
my bokken is made from i think its ebai or somethin like that and my sensei made it for me and the handle isnt rounded (i asked that)the reason is it fits in my hand more without rounding and its about a half-inch inch shorter (i love it)
I have one i made the handle almost triangular. it just fit that guys hand beter. He had really big hands. Thats why they call it custom. You make it to You. That way it's All Good..........
Certainly That is the traditional way. a stick that is close to the dimentions of your live blade. Basicly thats all a bokken is. And Equipment? Thats why I made the weapons in these vids w just a BLOCK PLANE. All the Equipment you need......
No..i do not round the whole thing. Only the Mune, the back of the blade, and the Shinogi, the ridge between the mune and the edge, do i carve flat. I usualy do that w a scraper, but i have done it w my router. Only the Tsuka, the handle, is carved round
thanks for uploading. this series
raysetiger285 1 month ago
thank you
sharkace 6 months ago
how much do your bokken cost?
BobIarry11 7 months ago
@BobIarry11 they range between $100 and $200 fo r finished weapons
ReiMonCoH 7 months ago
Question. If I wished to make a Wakasashi...(correct spelling. not sure). Do you know how to custom fit one to somebody?
dogongood 1 year ago
@dogongood So I would set its proper length NO LONGER then I could draw it from the saya quickly and cleanly. Also, the handle would be shorter. About two hands wide. Other then that, just carve it the same.
ReiMonCoH 1 year ago
@dogongood @dogongood yes yes, spelled correct. Now, About Short swords;
One of the things I don’t really take into consideration when I make a bokken is the length is relation to drawing it. In aikiken practice it’s generally assumed the weapon is already drawn. Iaido really concentrates more on the “draw” itself. But with the short sword there can be very little Aikido style of sword implied, we just don’t use that thing.
ReiMonCoH 1 year ago
besides the planner, have you used wood rasp files? course and file..:)
taeim43 1 year ago
great video
capcomfan2010 2 years ago
im into swords and this is the first ive herd of bokkens so im disappointed in myself but what about if you want to make the blade longer in how high it is like maby 2 to 3 times bigger.
brc424 2 years ago
Great video. I've been making bokkens for years.
SuperShives 2 years ago
hey where do get that tool your using in the beggining and wat is it called?
ExodiaHellChains 2 years ago
would bokken last longer if one were to place a strip of duct tape along the cutting edge of the blade? to prevent chipping and splintering and such?
0ldSandwich 2 years ago
In my experience, all duct tape does is 1) make your bokken (or waster if you are using a western style wood-sword) look like crap, 2) lets everyone know you're a noob, 3) simply hides any damage that may occur, making it less safe overall because you'll never see the split developing until it shatters in your hands, and 4) makes the finish all gummy when you finally get sick of it and peel it off. Don't use duct tape, as great as it is, for this application.
@0ldSandwich
zreiser 1 year ago
hey i have another question i forgot to add on my last comment:if i where to use that 1x2,would i be able to soak it in water and let it dry in a couple quick-clamps?
13knifethrower13 3 years ago
(to make a curve)
13knifethrower13 3 years ago
look at Part 1 of these videos. theres no need to "bend" the wood...
ReiMonCoH 2 years ago
@13knifethrower13 ",if your going to soak your wood you might do better with steaming the wood and placing in a form.
taeim43 1 year ago
@13knifethrower13
it depends on the wood you are using- but the best thing to think about when do-is bow making-- now a steaming is great- if you have a professional shop and can afford 500 dollars- but, just think steam rises- and steam can get caught in a curve so use a trap-put your wood in the tarp and drape it over the pot with a heat steam the living shit out of it the clamp it to the frame you are going to use- and just put it in a corner for two or three days and let it air dry-
darrenats 8 months ago
i have a couple questions:could i use a normal 1x2?how did you do the plaining,just basically make it round?if i where to use a 1x2 would i be able to bend it also between the trees as you said?thanks for the help!^.^
13knifethrower13 3 years ago
To answer how, watch the "making one" video that i did. If the 1x2 your talking about is a hardwood then, Yes.
ReiMonCoH 3 years ago
How big of plank would I need to make a Double bladed bokken?
BloodStainedSand 3 years ago
Well....i dont know. im not even sure what a double bladed bokken is. The blanks i produce are like the ones in the video.
ReiMonCoH 3 years ago
technically, there is no such thing as double-bladed bookens due to the fact that they are specifically made as bent single bladeded swords. What i think he is saying is a wooden claymore.
akitoheart 2 years ago
actually, bokken literally just means "wood sword." Typically, yes, they are meant to resemble japanese tachi or katana. A wooden claymore would technically still be a bokken. "wooden sword"
lLikeMaple 2 years ago
I'm assuming you mean a double bladed weapon, not a bladed version of a staff, with a grip in the middle (totally impractical btw). That would be a western or even chinese training weapon. Western ones are called wasters, no matter what size or style, whereas the Chinese version is a "jian" (double edged sword; not sure what the chinese designation for 'wooden' is sorry). Should be able to make one with a straight blank, just take out the curve.
@BloodStainedSand
zreiser 1 year ago
Since I was using a belt sander I was able to make the bokken out of a shovelstick in about 2hrs. but thats also due to the fact that I dont make flat plains on the back of the bokken and a shovelstick is already rounded so I don't have to take as much wood off as you do.
and I don't mind it not being that finely finished since i also made it to use and not as display.
kometsky 3 years ago
wow thats pretty good i never really worked with would im 15 and it looks like a fun project so what was the wood you recommend?? and do the woods come curved like that all the time or what?
SealedsProductions 3 years ago
wel, i always recommend a Impact Grade Hickory for weapons. The blanks you see me making these weapons out of I manufacture and sell. If you get your own wood watch Part 1 of this series and i point out what to look for in a proper piece of wood.
ReiMonCoH 3 years ago
This is awesome, I've alway wanted to make one of my own bokkens...
I live in Boston, what's the best way to get a blank from you if I were interested (convince the wife I'll actually finish the project). Or would you suggest heading out on my own to find a blank.
Also, what do you think about using laminated wood for a bokken
fst3v0 3 years ago
well, i dont to boston to often, but i do keep a few blanks at Methuen Aikido. or i can send you them, either way. Now about Laminated Bokken. I have had then in the past. I have nothing against them, but i dont them. things that can give WILL give. things that cant give, WILL break.two things that i dont want happening on the mat.1)i dont want to feel the shock EVERYtime weapons clash). 2)i dont want to break everybudy elses bokken. not cool. A grain correct weapon lasts longer and feel better
ReiMonCoH 3 years ago
could you make a video that directs attention to how to carve the handle? thank you
Adm43DG 3 years ago
what was the name of the first tool you used?
turtelrunr 3 years ago
Damn, this looks quite fun. Thanks for getting my inspired to make 'em.
What was the name of that stanley tool?
JesusFuckingChrist84 3 years ago
Fun?? well, I enjoy it, BUT honestly, it is a hell of a lot of work.
ReiMonCoH 3 years ago
Thats what I consider, "Fun".
Heh, I have carved things with nothing but a knife, I made a shelf with just a big knife. I find this sort of work primitive, and thats what I like to work.
JesusFuckingChrist84 3 years ago
my bokken is made from i think its ebai or somethin like that and my sensei made it for me and the handle isnt rounded (i asked that)the reason is it fits in my hand more without rounding and its about a half-inch inch shorter (i love it)
hollowmask666 3 years ago
I have one i made the handle almost triangular. it just fit that guys hand beter. He had really big hands. Thats why they call it custom. You make it to You. That way it's All Good..........
ReiMonCoH 3 years ago
nice vid. giving me some good ideas. what are the dimensions of your starting block and the dimensions of the finished bokken?
thekev1n 3 years ago
My Bokken Blanks are 5/4 x 5/4 x 48". I make then from Impact Grade Hickory and as shown in part One, they are all grain correct.
ReiMonCoH 3 years ago
i dont have the equipment so i go in to thw woods and look for somehing thatlooks like a bokken
daniel4ever001 3 years ago
Certainly That is the traditional way. a stick that is close to the dimentions of your live blade. Basicly thats all a bokken is. And Equipment? Thats why I made the weapons in these vids w just a BLOCK PLANE. All the Equipment you need......
ReiMonCoH 3 years ago
Dude..do you do Aikido? where do you do it.
mayBhapnin 4 years ago
Yes I do..in New Hampshire
ReiMonCoH 4 years ago
I would like to make something like this as a gift for a guy in Kumdo.
The problem is that I would need to have a guard.
You next video?
AlanMolstad 4 years ago
The other main thing I notice is that you round the whole sword correct?
Most wooden swords I have seen always have a back ridge where the wood is flat.
Is there a rule about needing a back ridge in kendo/Kumdo thats different than Aikido?
AlanMolstad 4 years ago
No..i do not round the whole thing. Only the Mune, the back of the blade, and the Shinogi, the ridge between the mune and the edge, do i carve flat. I usualy do that w a scraper, but i have done it w my router. Only the Tsuka, the handle, is carved round
ReiMonCoH 4 years ago
i suppose it wouldnt be too bad if you started with a good piece of wood. can you buy the blanks?
SlowBeeDies 4 years ago
wel...yes, i sell blanks selected and prepared to be bokken blanks.
ReiMonCoH 4 years ago