Vintage and Unique Bokuto
Known as Bokken in the West
Authentic Japanese vintage bokuto
The Beauty and Quality of Vintage Bokuto
In classical martial arts involving iaido and kenjutsu (sword drawing and fencing) practitioners often use a bokken (Bokuto in Japanese). A bokuto is a wooden sword specifically designed for practicing Japanese martial arts. More than 90% of the wooden weapons sold in Japan are manufactured in Miyakonojo, a region in Sothern Kyushu. However, old stock of quality wood has been declining, and as a result, many traditional crafsman have discontinued producing high-end bokuto. For example, the well-known Horinouchi Workshop closed in 2019, resulting in only three other bokuto craft stores left: the Nidome family, the Matsuzaki family and the Aramaki family.
There are many other quality bokuto craftsmen still in Japan, however, the majority of them now use wood that is much younger. For example, the famous Honagashi (meaning “real” Red Oak”, very limited availability and very expensive) is now being replaced by Ichiiagashi (or Akagashi, meaning Red Oak). Even though scientifically, these two trees are close, the fact is that bokuto made from wood of the latter tree has had limited time to cure.
Besides Honagashi, other superior woods have traditionally been used to produce Bokuto. For example, Sunuke (a variety of woods of at least 300 years old) produces bokuto that are extremely dense and have a great scent. Second, Honbiwa (Japanese Loquat) has been used for excellent bokuto, but are not getting very pricey. Recently, artisans have started to use Camelia wood to substitute and even sell it as Honbiwa. Lastly, Ebony wood has been used to create some of highest quality Bokuto. Ebony Bokuto are often awarded as rewards for high rank examinations and are considered precious gifts.
The feeling of a vintage high quality Bokuto during suburi brings pure joy to any keiko session.
Importing and Restoring Vintage and Unique Bokuto
Recently La Ronge Martial Arts Head Instructor Chris de Feijter has started to import vintage high-quality Bokuto from Japan. Together with one of his friends in Japan, he selects high-end and often unique Bokuto made of Sunuke, Honbiwa, or Ebony. These Bokuto are then carefully cleaned and restored so that each can continue to be used for another lifetime of the practitioner. Many of these bokuto come from registered craftsmen who are no longer producing bokuto. Many of these Bokuto are more than 50 to 70 years old and can outperform any modern-made Bokuto.
Availability and Cost
The availability of vintage Bokuto is very limited. A small stock is kept in Canada of Bokuto and have been carefully restored. When possible original certification stickers are not removed. As for cost, this depends on the original purchase price and shipping. For example, purchasing a new Ebony handmade Bokuto from Aramaki craftsmen would cost around $1,300. Recently Chris purchased and restored Aramaki Ebony Bokuto for much cheaper. Depending on the wood, quality of the work, age, and weight & length, vintage Bokuto that have been carefully restored sell from anywhere between $175 and $600.
But why buy a vintage Bokuto if you can purchase a modern, White Oak Bokuto (Made in Japan) for around $125? It all depends on what you are looking for. Novice practitioners should start with a good quality White Oak Bokuto from Japan (never from Taiwan or China). But intermediate and advanced practitioners – with developed skill – can benefit from the added weight and strength of a vintage Bokuto. When you compare a modern Bokuto to a vintage Bokuto, you will know and feel the difference right away. In addition, purchasing a vintage Bokuto will last a lifetime (at least) when they are maintenance properly.
Sunuke is Getting Rare
Trees (Isu no ki) from which Sunuke wood is extracted are now entirely protected. The only source now comes from trees that fell naturally, which is not enough to ensure stable production and resulted in a complete shortage of Sunuke. Therefore, new bokuto from Sunuke are extremely difficult to find. However, locally, our contact in Japan continues to find Sunuke bokuto in private (estate) collections.
Ready to Upgrade?
Chris primarily procures vintage Bokuto and sells these to his own students. If you are interested in looking at what is available at various price ranges, contact Chris directly.
How to Purchase
The red buttons next to each button are not purchase buttons. If you are interested in purchasing a bokuto, please email [email protected] with your name, address, and the bokuto name you are interested in. You will then receive a quote including shipping cost. Please note that Canada Post adds a surcharge of $25 due to the length of the package for all bokuto over 99cm. No sales outside of Canada.
Current Stock
Kakinoki, Bokuto, handcrafted.
- Length: 101.5 cm
- Weight: 500 grams
- Craftsmen: Horinouchi Noboru Seisakusho
Kaki (Persimmon is a rare and expensive wood that I do not often come across. These bokuto are high priced in Japan for display, as well as used in Japan among high-ranked instructors from different martial art schools. Crafted by one of the last masters of the bokuto, as the Horinouchi workshop closed in 2019.
Excellent Bokuto. Conditioned with nine coats of cold-pressed Tsubaki Oil (Camelia). A high-quality Bokuto for the intermediate to advanced practitioner. Bokuto is sold with a carrying and storage bag.
SUNUKE Bokuto, handcrafted.
- Length: 91 cm
- Weight: 560 grams
- Craftsmen: Horinouchi Noboru Seisakusho
Sunuke is a rare and expensive wood from the center core of old and rotten Isu tree. Only Isu core wood that has been dry for over 200 years has the colour, hardness, solidness and superb balance which make this Sunuke Bokuto so highly appreciated in Japan among high-ranked instructors from different martial art schools.
Excellent Bokuto. Conditioned with nine coats of cold-pressed Tsubaki Oil (Camelia). The original certification stickers are in decent shape. This Bokuto is excellent for suburi and regular kenjutsu keiko for children and women of around 155cm tall. A high-quality Bokuto for the intermediate to advanced practitioner. Bokuto is sold with a carrying and storage bag.
Some of the Previous Stock for Examples
Isunoki Bokuto, handcrafted (SOLD)
- Length: 101 cm
- Weight: 530 grams
- Craftsmen: Aramaki
Isunoki is a rare and durable wood from the the Isu tree. It is now becoming rare, and often replaced by the much softer woods. In Japan, this type of Bokuto is used among high-ranked instructors from different martial art schools. These bokuto are almost as tough as bokuto made of Honbiwa. The appearance of Isunoki is so elegant that it makes any oak bokuto look “bleak.”
Excellent Bokuto. Conditioned with nine coats of cold-pressed Tsubaki Oil (Camelia). The original certification stickers are in decent shape and will be removed from the packaging. This Bokuto is excellent for suburi and regular kenjutsu keiko. A high-quality Bokuto for the intermediate to advanced practitioner. Bokuto is sold with a carrying and storage bag.
Sunuke Bokuto#4, handcrafted. (SOLD)
- Length: 101 cm
- Weight: 759 grams
- Craftsmen: Horinouchi Noboru Seisakusho (1989)
High-quality Bokuto, made of Sunuke, with wooden tsuba and a commemorative inscription celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Tokyo Shudokan. The typical selling price for these bokuto in Japan is around JPY 85,000 (CAD 900).
Sunuke is a rare and expensive wood from the center core of old and rotten Isu tree. Only Isu core wood that has been dry for over 200 years has the colour, hardness, solidness and superb balance which make this Sunuke Bokuto so highly appreciated in Japan among high-ranked instructors from different martial art schools.
This bokuto is in excellent condition, with various inscriptions. There are a few dents and scratches from general use. Carefully restored with Japanese sanding methods to be in optimal condition. Conditioned with nine coats of cold-pressed Tsubaki Oil (Camelia) and waxed with 100% organic locally sourced beeswax. Certification stickers are all in tact. This Bokuto is medium heavy, excellent for suburi and regular kenjutsu keiko. A high-quality Bokuto for the advanced practitioner. Bokuto is sold with a carrying and storage bag.
Sunuke Bokuto#5, handcrafted (SOLD)
- Length: 101 cm
- Weight: 566 grams
- Craftsmen: unknown
High-quality Bokuto, made of Sunuke.
Sunuke is a rare and expensive wood from the center core of old and rotten Isu tree. Only Isu core wood that has been dry for over 200 years has the colour, hardness, solidness and superb balance which make this Sunuke Bokuto so highly appreciated in Japan among high-ranked instructors from different martial art schools.
There are a few dents and scratches from general use. Carefully restored with Japanese sanding methods to be in optimal condition. Conditioned with nine coats of cold-pressed Tsubaki Oil (Camelia) and waxed with 100% organic locally sourced beeswax. This Bokuto is medium heavy, excellent for suburi and regular kenjutsu keiko. A high-quality Bokuto for the advanced practitioner. Bokuto is sold with a carrying and storage bag.
Isunoki Bokuto#1, handcrafted (SOLD)
- Length: 101.5 cm
- Weight: 523 grams
- Craftsmen: unknown
High-quality Bokuto, made of Isunoki
Isunoki is a rare and durable wood from the the Isu tree. It is now becoming rare, and often replaced by the much softer woods. In Japan, this type of Bokuto is used among high-ranked instructors from different martial art schools. These bokuto are almost as tough as bokuto made of Honbiwa. The appearance of Isunoki is so elegant that it makes any oak bokuto look “bleak.”
There are a few dents and scratches from general use. Carefully restored with Japanese sanding methods to be in optimal condition. Conditioned with nine coats of cold-pressed Tsubaki Oil (Camelia) and waxed with 100% organic locally sourced beeswax. This Bokuto is medium heavy, excellent for suburi and regular kenjutsu keiko. A high-quality Bokuto for the advanced practitioner. Bokuto is sold with a carrying and storage bag.
Isunoki Bokuto#2, handcrafted (SOLD)
- Length: 101.5 cm
- Weight: 642 grams
- Craftsmen: unknown
High-quality Bokuto, made of Isunoki
Isunoki is a rare and durable wood from the the Isu tree. It is now becoming rare, and often replaced by the much softer woods. In Japan, this type of Bokuto is used among high-ranked instructors from different martial art schools. These bokuto are almost as tough as bokuto made of Honbiwa. The appearance of Isunoki is so elegant that it makes any oak bokuto look “bleak.”
There are a few dents and scratches from general use. Carefully restored with Japanese sanding methods to be in optimal condition. Conditioned with nine coats of cold-pressed Tsubaki Oil (Camelia) and waxed with 100% organic locally sourced beeswax. This Bokuto is medium heavy, excellent for suburi and regular kenjutsu keiko. A high-quality Bokuto for the advanced practitioner. Bokuto is sold with a carrying and storage bag.
ROSEWOOD Bokuto #1 handcrafted. (SOLD)
- Length: 101.5 cm
- Weight: 213 grams
- Craftsmen: Aramaki Yasuo
High-quality Bokuto, made of Rosewood. EXTREMELY RARE
Very exclusive, and as you can tell by the sticker, this product was originally sold for JPY 100.000 (CAD 1,025) years ago. Rosewood has been highly sought after since the Ming period.
There are no dents, as this bokuto was a display piece. Conditioned with nine coats of cold-pressed Tsubaki Oil (Camelia) and waxed with 100% organic locally sourced beeswax. This bokuto makes an excellent high-value display piece in a private collection. Bokuto is sold with a carrying and storage bag.
