Questions:

What is the difference between your standard bokken and Iwama style?

    A: Our standard bokken is our most popular bokken. It combines many styles into one a beauitfully balanced bokken. Like martial arts, our bokken are designed for balance and strength. Through years of trial and error our standard bokken has evolved into design that will fit anyones needs. Our Iwama bokken has a moderate curve and shaped to the specifications of Iwama style. It has a blunt tip and is balanced slightly different than our standard bokken.

How do you measure the length of the bokken?

    A: We measure the bokken from each tip. Our standard bokken is generally 40 inches and our Iwama bokken is 41 inches. We can make a custom length if you prefer.

How long are the handles?

    A: Typically we do not put the cuts into the back of the blade to show a definate size of the handle. The Iwama style does come with the cuts, but the transition from the blade to the handle is gradual so that placement of the hands can vary. We can, however, add the cuts to the standard bokken to set a definate size of the handle. You must specify the size of the handle that you want when you order.

Why do you use exotic woods?

    A: We use exotic woods to give you a product that is as unique as it is beauitful. We choose woods based on different factors to give you a balanced and strong bokken that with last.

Why should I buy a bokken from you?

    A: We hand select our wood from responsible suppliers with the environment as a major concern. We stand by our work and offer a 100% satisfaction guaranteed. If you feel there is something wrong with the bokken we will fix it so that you are happy. We are in the business of making people happy.

What are laminated bokkens?

    A: Wood lamination has been around for a long time. Basically we fuse multiple pieces of wood together cross-grained to give you a bokken that is very unique. Our exclusive Build-A-Bokken™ lets you create your own combination of woods to have a personalized dynamic bokken. Click here for more information.

What is dymondwood?

    A: A highly engineered wood/plastic composite, DymondWood has the physical and mechanical properties of high density hardwood, acrylic and polycarbonate plastics, and brass. Brightly dyed northern hardwood veneers are combined with engineering grade resins, heat and pressure to create a product that has the best characteristics of each. DymondWood is distinguished by its unique strength, durability, dimensional stability, weather and moisture resistance as compared to regular wood.

What makes a Blizniak Bokken different than other bokken?

    A: That is a question that can only be answered by holding a Blizniak Bokken in your hands.

What is Argentine Lignum Vitae?

    A: Argentine Lignum Vitae is . . . well, not exactly Lignum Vitae. Allow us to explain. The wood popularly known as "Lignum Vitae" is, in fact, technically called "Genuine Lignum Vitae" (Guaiacum officinale). Genuine Lignum Vitae is quite famous for being "the densest wood in the world" — it ranks atop the "Janka Scale of Hardness," which measures such things. The wood is also believed to have medicinal properties in its resins and chips; "Lignum Vitae" is, after all, Latin for "Wood of Life." Unfortunately, because of Genuine Lignum Vitae's highly desirable properties, the wood has been grossly overharvested and is now practically on the endangered species list (which, of course, is sadly ironic, considering the meaning of its name). Although some Genuine Lignum Vitae is still available on the market, it is no longer being sold in any significant quantities. And that's where Argentine Lignum Vitae (Bulnesia sarmientoi) comes in. Although it's not genetically related to Genuine Lignum Vitae, it has become widely used as a substitute wood due to its similar appearance and characteristics to the "genuine" article (i.e., it's extremely hard, heavy, dense, strong, and durable). With an average specific gravity of about 1.10, the wood will sink in water. Because of its incredible density and strength, Argentine Lignum Vitae is often applied in making the business end of mallets and clubs.