Bokken Kotobuki Supérieur - Par Maître Aramaki

I collect Nihonto and recently became aware of the state of the Japanese wooden weapon industry through the Seido blogs on the subject. Although I do not practice Budo, I wanted to acquire a bokken to support the industry and to handle a Japan-sourced piece. I am very happy with this purchase!
Compared with the elevated prices of nihonto, I consider the investment required to acquire a piece made by one of the industry masters an incredible bargain. There is a significant amount of highly-skilled handwork (and artistry!) involved in producing such a piece, let alone the scarcity of supply of raw materials. At even the current (elevated?) prices, I do not believe that the manufacturers are being sustainably compensated for their work.
This particular bokken is outstanding. It has elegant sori, complex and compound angles and facets to the "blade" and tip, and a beautiful finish. The quality is obvious.
I plan on acquiring more bokken in the future. Seido's informative website, communication through the purchase, and incredibly fast and reasonable shipping charge are a stellar example of how online merchants should conduct business.
I give this purchase TEN stars!

This Bokutō is worth every Yen. It is beautifully crafted. The wood finish is very extraordinary, which makes the Bokutō extremely smooth ans special. At first I even thought it was too slippery, but it's manageable. I won't use it for contact exercises or Kumite anyway, as it's too nice for that. I just wanted to own a Bokutō from Master Aramaki, and im realy proud that i got one. Seido has also created a certificate of authenticity, which I find a very cool detail.

Tout a déjà été dit sur la qualité du travail de Maître ARAMAKI et du service et je ne peux que confirmer l'excellence du travail et la qualité du service de SEIDO SHOP. Bien évidemment je recommande.

received the kotobuki since the deluxe bokken was out due to shortages and could not be happier. it is very beautiful. thank you!

Je viens de recevoir ce superbe bokken. excellente qualité et magnifique travail de Maître ARAMAKI. Service de SEIDO SHOP au top. Livraison au top comme à chaque fois.

The shipment to germany went off quickly and uncomplicated. I originally ordered a Deluxe Bokken but was apparently upgraded to this model due to stock shortages. I honestly almost feel bad that they went to so much trouble and took a loss(?). I am not an expert on woodworking, but even I can tell that the craftsmanship is incomparable to my jo-staff, which already is a solid quality. I will be proud to use this bokken in my aikido training for years to come.

Enfin un bokken et non une « enclume » comme j’ai eu jusqu’ici. Un bon équilibre, pas trop lourd et un toucher extrêmement agréable. Pratiquer avec ce bokken aramaki est un réel plaisir. Livraison au top comme d’habitude.👍

Beautifully balanced, with an interesting forward momentum in its handling, this bokuto wants to cut. I love how this bokuto feels so alive in my hands.

Only minor gripe was how the Aramaki stamp at the tsuba was not properly stamped. But I'd take balance over a minor visual flaw anyday.

Perfectly made bokken, well balanced. The best I've had. A completely different story than others. I recommend it, no worries, quality, quality and more quality. Thank you Seido!

本赤樫、略式を購入しました。
値段以上の価値を感じられる希少な一本で、しばらくは鑑賞用になりそうです。
職人さん星道ショップさんに感謝です。
ありがとうございました。