So, did you buy a shinken (real steel sword with a cutting edge) or an iaito/mugito (plate aluminum practice sword... looks and feels like the real thing but no edge)? How much did you spend?
Great question! I should've addressed this on the video. I ultimately wanted a sword for decorative and aesthetic purposes, so I bought an unsharpened practice sword. I can't recall the exact yen-to-dollar amount, but it was roughly about $500 USD once the store clerk accounted for shipping and applied a seasonal 20% discount they were running at the time. Not a bad deal at all, considering how real it looks, and the whooshes it makes when you use it.
I am glad that some blade enthusiast or really anywone who appreciates the craftsmanship and wants to get the real thing still can do so from a reliable source. This shop is now well known through Shogo's youtube channel and to go there would be like a pilgrimage for a japanses swords fan. Enjoy your purchase my man, you are yourself a part of that history now.
Tozando is great, but Minosaka and Nosyudo are the kings. Both make better quality products but they are a bit less known. It is perfectly legal to carry an aluminum imitation sword (iaito/mogito) in the plane as well (not in the cabin) because they can not be sharpened ( this is the law requirement in japan). A steel blade needs some short of extra paperwork to be allowed to enter and exit the country , though. ( The airlines themselves are cool, as long it is in the checked baggage and not the cabin ones)
@@jamillsantiago can google their names, and they will find where the stores are. Both are in small cities in Japan, if i remember correctly. However, Minosaka is also being sold by Tozando as well
3:15 When you put katana on the stand/rack make sure the blade edge is facing up. You have the blade edge of your katana facing down and that will damage the blade of your katana.
Very nice mate, one thing I noticed through the end is you're displaying the Katana, edge-down, and Tsuka pointing right. Displaying the with the Tsuka pointing left is more common in peaceful era, and you should dispaly the sword edge-up as there'll be less damage to the edge and scabbard. Cheers!
He bought an iaito, an unsharpened practise blade, it doesnt matter if he stores it blade down or up as it doesnt affect the blade or the saya. This practise of blade up only applies to a shinken where you have to take care the sharpened edge is not sitting in contact with the wood inside the saya as this can lead to rusting. You can clean the iaito with the traditional choji oil or not it doesnt really matter as it has no iron in it to rust. I've used an iaito for iai practice for the last 15 years and have stored it every which way and it doesnt affect the blade or the saya. Use a cotton cloth to wipe the blade to keep it clean after each practise to stop the oils from your hands accumulating in the saya. I hope you take up an opportunity to learn iaido or koryu.
Was wondering why you came into my feed, but as I have a sword channel, your video regarding a katana, came through, also saw you are a wedding cinematographer, explains a well done video....I myself am a cinematographer and editor, but my channel is dedicated to blades, really well done video, nice to meet you friend, and yes one day I need myself a true genuine Nihanto
I have travelled internationally with many white weapons and never had a problem. Swords, bows and arrows and many many knives. Just have them in a dedicated storage and dont even dream to have them in the cabin. Last time I travelled internationally with my bow and sword I had to pay 50 dollars for the bow and 100 for the sword, it had nothing to do with the objects, they charge you extra for "extra large items" regardless of the weight, and the first is 50 dollars, the second is 100, the third is 150, and so on and so forth. I also had my bike..
when you swing that 'sword', the non control movement of your head indicates too much tension in your shoulder and arm. That shows that the iaito you choose was too long or too heavy for your size but if you bought it for decorative use and not for training doesn't matter. I think you made a good purchase anyway from one of the best providers possible
Yes there are many videos on UA-cam on how to disassemble and maintain a katana. If you can chew gum while walking you probably have the skills and coordination to clean and maintain a katana, because it's just that easy. You can also come to the group KATANAS on "red it" for all kinds of helpful advice.
Aah how times have changed. Way way back in 1987 I brought a sword j to the United States through Miami International Airport in my hands. It was hilarious seeing some grifter ( I think he was a HariKrisha ) who tried to get my attention realize what I was carrying. 😲
Most people want to get a katana.but is there any way to get an affordable TANTO or an Iaito since basically all swords in japan now are made of aluminum zinc instead of steel
I do remember seeing some $250-ish iatos/tantos in random stores across Japan. They are not everywhere, but I do remember seeing a few here and there. Just gotta keep your eyes open.
@@jamillsantiago thanks sir i actually practice those arts not like everyone else so im happy and thanks. Im looking for the correct equipment and getting a cool martial arts equipment or sword from japan’s been on my list so again thanks for the recommendation
I thought you were talking about the real ones. The iaitos from what I can remember cost somewhere around $250-800. Which now that I think about it, the ones behind the cash desk are, indeed, iaito.
Idk where the person who posted the video is from but if you're from Canada you will most likely have to pay for duties/taxes unfortunately. Found this out the hard way getting my sword shipped to me internationally since I'm a new resident to Canada.
At the approximately 1:50 mark you said Tozando is a sword manufacturer. I'm sure that was an accidental misspeak as Tozando does not make swords but rather sells them for a variety of swordsmiths
I wish.... Jeeeeeesus. I just bought a 400$ katana to train iaido and plan on taking kendo, kenjustsu and bokken too... Tamahagane steel and katanas made in Japan are INCREDIBLY expensive. Alot of it has to do with all the paperwork that goes into making and selling of said katana... I hope one day I can get a real Japanese Katana... Maybe in my dreams.
I wish it was that easy. Legit ww2 katana are expensive as hell. And any legit ww2 katana will be made of tamahagane... It's hard to locate credible sources @ a cheap price... Quality original Japanese katanas are very expensive. Minimum 2000$ Unless you buy it from someone who doesn't know what they're sitting on.
Luxury deviates you from the path of the sword... It doesn't matter if you use a Boken, Iaito, Shinken of local manufacture (if it's properly forged) or a traditional Edo period Nihonto... The real sword is within yourself and the ultimate goal of japanese fencing (as in other martial arts) is to polish yourself and build within... Not just fixaxing on material stuff... Improve yourself by focusing on your own technique and actions... A true swordsman can fight with anything (although he won't choose violence at first)
@matiasveris9893 I needed this. Thank you. I have a very long path ahead of me. I'm learning and studying every day and lessons come hopefully when they are needed. This was one of those times.
Good. Day. This. Is. Francisco. Antonio. Ramirez. Garcia. I. Am. Filipino. Citizen. I. Am. Here. In. Republic. Of. The. Philippines. I. Have. Pet. 🐕. Dog. I. Have. Philippine. Passport. To. Travel. Abroad. I. Am. Looking. For. Wakizashi. Sword. Or. Tanto. Sword. Small. Sword. In. Japan. Is. It. Cheaper. Sword. ? Thanks. So. Much. 🎉
Hmm… I noticed you drew the sword blade down, this is not a typical draw for katana these days… in fact almost since the katana popularization among samurai it’s been drawn with the saya facing up. You should know at least this if you spent about 10000usd purchasing a sword from tozando Edit: sorry I guess I should have expected this… it is also typical and good practice for sword maintenance to keep it displayed and held with the blade facing up. This will help to maintain the edge as it is less likely to knock against the saya. And displaying your sword handle to the right blade down means you are at war. So I believe… (just an enthusiast as well so please if someone knows more correct me) traditionally you display it handle to the left blade to the sky so it shows you are in peacetime, and won’t make guests uneasy… at least as far as tradition goes Double edit time! So I see reading through comments I see some have corrected you, and also you purchase a iato based on a comment I read, so not 10k on a sword lol. Tbh you probably would have been better off purchasing a knock off katana from a western smith for around 3-400usd instead of potentially spending 7-1100usd on a iato, I see from a comment there was a discount offered. But since it appears you didn’t personalize the sword in any way, and have no intention of using it for its intended training purposes, it would have been fine to purchase something that’s maybe not “authentic” since you merely enjoy the aesthetics. You could have used that money to possibly see about going to get a samurai experience while in Japan, and maybe cut tamashigiri tatami mats or something else. Either way you got a nice sword, and I mean in no way to discourage you from your purchase, I’d just recommend if you are an enthusiast, to take some time to learn about the customs and traditions of the weapon that you have enthusiasm for. Especially when making a video to share that with people online. Either way love tozando, and I don’t mean to discourage anyone. Good luck in your journey either way!
@@VictorGarcia-qk3dn No estoy seguro, pero a juzgar por su sitio web, creo que sí. Lo puedes encontrar en tozandoshop.com y su email es order@tozandoshop.com.
@@jamillsantiago Nah. En suspenso? No es para tanto. Como dije , faltaria un Jean Kirstein poster de attack on titan. Para completar la pared de fanboismo 🤷🏼♂️
cool video, but seems like a llot of trouble for an iaido sword lol, could of easily just gotten one online or even a local vendor. Make it your goal for this year to save up for a shinken on your next trip.
So, did you buy a shinken (real steel sword with a cutting edge) or an iaito/mugito (plate aluminum practice sword... looks and feels like the real thing but no edge)?
How much did you spend?
Great question! I should've addressed this on the video. I ultimately wanted a sword for decorative and aesthetic purposes, so I bought an unsharpened practice sword. I can't recall the exact yen-to-dollar amount, but it was roughly about $500 USD once the store clerk accounted for shipping and applied a seasonal 20% discount they were running at the time. Not a bad deal at all, considering how real it looks, and the whooshes it makes when you use it.
@@jamillsantiago I see, you bought an iato. And a fairly reasonably priced one. What's the blade length?
@@michaelbedsole970 The blade itself is about 2 feet long, and the whole product is about 3 feet long!
@@jamillsantiago I see. I've got a shinken with a blade of 72.8cm and a couple of iaito that are a bit longer.
Its easily visible on hamon thats iaito.
I am glad that some blade enthusiast or really anywone who appreciates the craftsmanship and wants to get the real thing still can do so from a reliable source. This shop is now well known through Shogo's youtube channel and to go there would be like a pilgrimage for a japanses swords fan. Enjoy your purchase my man, you are yourself a part of that history now.
Absolutely! Thank you!
I’ve been through nearly 20 Tozando iaito during my training. Can’t get enough of them.
2:24 the way he unsheath a katana, 🥲
Tozando is great, but Minosaka and Nosyudo are the kings. Both make better quality products but they are a bit less known.
It is perfectly legal to carry an aluminum imitation sword (iaito/mogito) in the plane as well (not in the cabin) because they can not be sharpened ( this is the law requirement in japan). A steel blade needs some short of extra paperwork to be allowed to enter and exit the country , though. ( The airlines themselves are cool, as long it is in the checked baggage and not the cabin ones)
Interesting. For anyone else interested, where exactly are those stores you're referencing?
@@jamillsantiago can google their names, and they will find where the stores are. Both are in small cities in Japan, if i remember correctly. However, Minosaka is also being sold by Tozando as well
3:15 When you put katana on the stand/rack make sure the blade edge is facing up. You have the blade edge of your katana facing down and that will damage the blade of your katana.
Thanks for sharing!
Have you seen this...
ua-cam.com/video/2xQTDDevz58/v-deo.html
also the handle was on the right side,
That’s badass man, I’m definitely gonna check them out when I get a chance to travel to Japan.
🗡️⚔️🤺
Very nice mate, one thing I noticed through the end is you're displaying the Katana, edge-down, and Tsuka pointing right. Displaying the with the Tsuka pointing left is more common in peaceful era, and you should dispaly the sword edge-up as there'll be less damage to the edge and scabbard. Cheers!
I had no idea! Thank you for the tip!
Have you seen this...
ua-cam.com/video/2xQTDDevz58/v-deo.html
Great Video!! Do more!!
Please dont desplay the sword with the blade facing downwards and touching the scabbard :(
Have you seen this...
ua-cam.com/video/2xQTDDevz58/v-deo.html
He bought an iaito, an unsharpened practise blade, it doesnt matter if he stores it blade down or up as it doesnt affect the blade or the saya. This practise of blade up only applies to a shinken where you have to take care the sharpened edge is not sitting in contact with the wood inside the saya as this can lead to rusting.
You can clean the iaito with the traditional choji oil or not it doesnt really matter as it has no iron in it to rust.
I've used an iaito for iai practice for the last 15 years and have stored it every which way and it doesnt affect the blade or the saya. Use a cotton cloth to wipe the blade to keep it clean after each practise to stop the oils from your hands accumulating in the saya.
I hope you take up an opportunity to learn iaido or koryu.
Thank you for the insight!
I'll be there this summer to buy an iaito as well. Nice video!
Awesome!
Was wondering why you came into my feed, but as I have a sword channel, your video regarding a katana, came through, also saw you are a wedding cinematographer, explains a well done video....I myself am a cinematographer and editor, but my channel is dedicated to blades, really well done video, nice to meet you friend, and yes one day I need myself a true genuine Nihanto
Appreciate it, bro! Your channel is DOPE!
@@jamillsantiago much appreciated brotha...nice to meet someone else who approaches youtube in a professional manner
Based on the reflectivity of the hamon, that looks like an iato, a practice sword made from nonferrous metal that cannot be sharpened.
Kyoto is a wonderful city to spend some time. As a tourist, I really enjoy Japan in general.
💯 my favorite city overall in Japan for sure.
I have travelled internationally with many white weapons and never had a problem. Swords, bows and arrows and many many knives. Just have them in a dedicated storage and dont even dream to have them in the cabin. Last time I travelled internationally with my bow and sword I had to pay 50 dollars for the bow and 100 for the sword, it had nothing to do with the objects, they charge you extra for "extra large items" regardless of the weight, and the first is 50 dollars, the second is 100, the third is 150, and so on and so forth. I also had my bike..
Thank you for that info!
Agreed Tozando is the best. Thanks for sharing
when you swing that 'sword', the non control movement of your head indicates too much tension in your shoulder and arm. That shows that the iaito you choose was too long or too heavy for your size but if you bought it for decorative use and not for training doesn't matter. I think you made a good purchase anyway from one of the best providers possible
Is there a video or somewhere i can go to be taught how to properly maintain and clean a katana
I'm sorry, not sure.
@@jamillsantiago at least this vid gave me the idea to start looking into it lol
Yes there are many videos on UA-cam on how to disassemble and maintain a katana. If you can chew gum while walking you probably have the skills and coordination to clean and maintain a katana, because it's just that easy.
You can also come to the group KATANAS on "red it" for all kinds of helpful advice.
Hopefully see you in iaido & kenjutsu classes.
Aah how times have changed. Way way back in 1987 I brought a sword j to the United States through Miami International Airport in my hands. It was hilarious seeing some grifter ( I think he was a HariKrisha ) who tried to get my attention realize what I was carrying. 😲
Wow. That is crazy!
When you want the real thing, you go to the source if you can.
Or as close as you can get.
Tozando is awesome.
Most people want to get a katana.but is there any way to get an affordable TANTO or an Iaito since basically all swords in japan now are made of aluminum zinc instead of steel
I do remember seeing some $250-ish iatos/tantos in random stores across Japan. They are not everywhere, but I do remember seeing a few here and there. Just gotta keep your eyes open.
@@jamillsantiago thanks sir i actually practice those arts not like everyone else so im happy and thanks. Im looking for the correct equipment and getting a cool martial arts equipment or sword from japan’s been on my list so again thanks for the recommendation
How much are the swords behind the Cash desk?
Somewhere around $2-10K from what I can remember. Definitely not cheap!
@@jamillsantiago but the I guess a Iaito shouldn't be that expensive... I'm going to Kyoto next Month so let's see
I thought you were talking about the real ones. The iaitos from what I can remember cost somewhere around $250-800. Which now that I think about it, the ones behind the cash desk are, indeed, iaito.
@@jamillsantiagothank you...I think I can buy at least a Iaito sword if they're around that price range
They should offer padded hunting rifle cases to put the swords after they were wrapped up in padding, after all they are historical relics.
Great video! did you have to pay duties/taxes when you shipped it home? I'm from Canada and plan to buy on there when I visit soon. Thank you!
Thank you! Nop. Naturally, I had to pay for shipping, but that was about it, and it wasn’t that expensive.
@@jamillsantiago thank you! Keep up the cool videos 👍
Idk where the person who posted the video is from but if you're from Canada you will most likely have to pay for duties/taxes unfortunately. Found this out the hard way getting my sword shipped to me internationally since I'm a new resident to Canada.
@@stevenfriedman2902Dang, that sucks. At least in the US I didn’t have to pay taxes/duties.
Japanese nihonto and Tozando were mostly modern weapons and antiques that got refurbished
Nice! It's also my understanding that the word "Tozando" itself can be translated as "sword practice hall" or "sword dojo". Very fitting!
The real Katana's start at $7500 from there and are very good quality
At the approximately 1:50 mark you said Tozando is a sword manufacturer. I'm sure that was an accidental misspeak as Tozando does not make swords but rather sells them for a variety of swordsmiths
Bro on the thumbnail is doing the kokushibo panel from demon slayer
Wait until you see my Moon Breathing! 😂
Now that you've acquired an iaito from Japan are you going to continue to draw it incorrectly & display it upside down on your wall? ...😅
But why show it right
I wish....
Jeeeeeesus.
I just bought a 400$ katana to train iaido and plan on taking kendo, kenjustsu and bokken too...
Tamahagane steel and katanas made in Japan are INCREDIBLY expensive.
Alot of it has to do with all the paperwork that goes into making and selling of said katana...
I hope one day I can get a real Japanese Katana...
Maybe in my dreams.
Never say never!
You know you could buy one of those WWII swords that got imported into the US and possibly other countries, some may even have real tamahagane.
I wish it was that easy.
Legit ww2 katana are expensive as hell.
And any legit ww2 katana will be made of tamahagane...
It's hard to locate credible sources @ a cheap price...
Quality original Japanese katanas are very expensive.
Minimum 2000$
Unless you buy it from someone who doesn't know what they're sitting on.
Luxury deviates you from the path of the sword... It doesn't matter if you use a Boken, Iaito, Shinken of local manufacture (if it's properly forged) or a traditional Edo period Nihonto... The real sword is within yourself and the ultimate goal of japanese fencing (as in other martial arts) is to polish yourself and build within... Not just fixaxing on material stuff...
Improve yourself by focusing on your own technique and actions... A true swordsman can fight with anything (although he won't choose violence at first)
@matiasveris9893 I needed this. Thank you. I have a very long path ahead of me. I'm learning and studying every day and lessons come hopefully when they are needed.
This was one of those times.
Good. Day. This. Is. Francisco. Antonio. Ramirez. Garcia. I. Am. Filipino. Citizen. I. Am. Here. In. Republic. Of. The. Philippines. I. Have. Pet. 🐕. Dog. I. Have. Philippine. Passport. To. Travel. Abroad. I. Am. Looking. For. Wakizashi. Sword. Or. Tanto. Sword. Small. Sword. In. Japan. Is. It. Cheaper. Sword. ? Thanks. So. Much. 🎉
Hmm… I noticed you drew the sword blade down, this is not a typical draw for katana these days… in fact almost since the katana popularization among samurai it’s been drawn with the saya facing up. You should know at least this if you spent about 10000usd purchasing a sword from tozando
Edit: sorry I guess I should have expected this… it is also typical and good practice for sword maintenance to keep it displayed and held with the blade facing up. This will help to maintain the edge as it is less likely to knock against the saya. And displaying your sword handle to the right blade down means you are at war. So I believe… (just an enthusiast as well so please if someone knows more correct me) traditionally you display it handle to the left blade to the sky so it shows you are in peacetime, and won’t make guests uneasy… at least as far as tradition goes
Double edit time!
So I see reading through comments I see some have corrected you, and also you purchase a iato based on a comment I read, so not 10k on a sword lol. Tbh you probably would have been better off purchasing a knock off katana from a western smith for around 3-400usd instead of potentially spending 7-1100usd on a iato, I see from a comment there was a discount offered. But since it appears you didn’t personalize the sword in any way, and have no intention of using it for its intended training purposes, it would have been fine to purchase something that’s maybe not “authentic” since you merely enjoy the aesthetics. You could have used that money to possibly see about going to get a samurai experience while in Japan, and maybe cut tamashigiri tatami mats or something else. Either way you got a nice sword, and I mean in no way to discourage you from your purchase, I’d just recommend if you are an enthusiast, to take some time to learn about the customs and traditions of the weapon that you have enthusiasm for. Especially when making a video to share that with people online. Either way love tozando, and I don’t mean to discourage anyone. Good luck in your journey either way!
Eres hispono hablante ¿verdad?
Sipo.
@@jamillsantiago se nota cuando dices cualquier palabra que no sea inglés.
@@jamillsantiago una duda ¿ellos hacen Katanas por encargo?
@@VictorGarcia-qk3dn No estoy seguro, pero a juzgar por su sitio web, creo que sí. Lo puedes encontrar en tozandoshop.com y su email es order@tozandoshop.com.
@@jamillsantiago gracias.
3:16 Debes usar esa katana y picar ese poster de lebron en 4 pedazitos, mi opinión haha
Jajjajajaja buena...Pero 🐐
@@jamillsantiago Las cabras con 4 sortijas no se ven bonitas anyway haha. Pues, en esa pared de fanboismo faltaria un poster de attack on titan.
@@Lazytownpr ¿Jafet? Nahhhhhhhh. Me tienes en suspenso. 😂
@@jamillsantiago Nah. En suspenso? No es para tanto. Como dije , faltaria un Jean Kirstein poster de attack on titan. Para completar la pared de fanboismo 🤷🏼♂️
@@Lazytownpr Deal. Dame una llamada, Jafi. It's been a while.
🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
You had the blade facing down!? You don't deserve it.
Yet Japanese swordsmiths are dying out at an exponential level. In the next three decades, only about 10 swordsmiths will be left in all of Japan.
cool video, but seems like a llot of trouble for an iaido sword lol, could of easily just gotten one online or even a local vendor. Make it your goal for this year to save up for a shinken on your next trip.