where to get an IAITO

[dobermann]

i am considering getting me an iaito from the net. if i buy in a shop here, i'll pay as much for the sword alone than from a webshop together with hakama, iaido-gi, sword maintenance kit and carry bag together..

i was looking at www.tozando.com (http://www.tozando.com/) or www.japanesesword.net (http://www.japanesesword.net/) which are actually the same manufacturer. or has anyone else got some advice for me where to look for?

thanks already!

[Charles Mahan]

Check out
http://www.e-bogu.com
and
http://www.swordstore.com

You should also check with your instructor. In addition to helping you choose the proper length and other specs for your style, he/she can also probably fill you in on whatever import laws might apply.

[kenpojujitsu]

I got mine from e-bogu.com
They were very helpful and I was satisfied enough to buy other supplies from them later on.
The Iaito that they reccomended to me as a beginner was reasonably priced and very good quality.

[Walter Wong]

There's also the Meirin Sangyo line of Iaito which are good Iaito as well at:
http://bugei.com/subcategory_115.htm

[kenpojujitsu]

This may be a good iaito, I don't know.
I will advise to stear clear of doing business with Bugei.
Perhaps look for a more reputable dealer if you want this Iaito.

[Walter Wong]

Sorry you've had a bad experience doing business with Bugei. I've bought many things from them and personally recieved great customer service and great products.

[ChineseKempoJerry]

Hi All-

I have never posted on this part of the site, but enjoy reading all of the well informed posts on this part of MT.

For an affordable Iaito I send my students here. http://www.chenessinc.com/iaito.htm I hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Jerry

[bushi jon]

I am an authorised Paul Chen dealer if you would like a price you can e-mail me @ surplusstuff@sbcglobal.net

[dobermann]

thanks everyone!

you know, its not that i am afraid of spending a sum of dosh. but, i would like to get a decent iaito to begin with. and not one that cuts as well! :D

but when i spend something like almost a grand, i want the same to be wrapped all the way around the tsuka, a tight and nice tsukaito and so on. also i wouldnt mind some tsubas and menuki to have for a choice. but thats not really necessary as long as the model supplied meets my and my senseis sense of quality.

if i buy here its gonna cost me probably double as much as direct from a manufacturer. thats the thing.. virtually i get a hakama and the iaidogi, obi and sword maintenance kit for the same price as the sword alone here. but i suppose that next week i'll go to www.japanshop.ch (http://www.japanshop.ch) and have a look around there. maybe they'll give me a nice disount and i'll be fine..

[dobermann]

just today i went there: www.japanshop.ch (http://www.japanshop.ch) and got me what i wanted. even with a discount on it! :D

it is a tozando by the way..

thanks again for your help!