Weights:

All the shinai we offer are crafted to be in accordance with the rules of the International Kendo Federation with regard to minimum weights, and maximum lenghts; however, some shinai, such as the premium Naomitsu hand-made shinai, and the "Bio" treated shinai vary a bit more, from normal to the heavier side by + 10 or 20 grams, than machine cut and finished shinai.

* NOTE: Shinai weight may diminish slightly due to dry conditions during shipment or storage upon receipt. Chiba Budougu checks all shinai for regulations weight upon dispatch, and cannot be held liable for shinai drying/weight change following delivery. We recommend storing shinai in high-humidty areas, or by resealing shinai in their plastic shipping bags along with a 5 cm x 5 cm piece of lettuce (to provide for moisture) in cases where a suitable moist environment is not available.

In general, adult shinai weights are as follow:

Men's 39 510 grams without tsuba, maxium length 120 cm

Women's 39 440 grams without tsuba, maximum length 120 cm

(Women's 38 follow the 440 gm minimum weight, but are 117 cm long.)

Dimensions:

At the advice of our friends, we realized we should include dimensions of the shinai diameter so you could have a better idea of the proportions of the shinai.

I list the raw measurements (without leather parts, bare bamboo) here in millimeters, the order of*:

Kensen (tip) - Fattest Portion Mid-Section - Base of the tsuka (handle)

Chibu Men's 39: 22 - 42 - 25

Chibu Men's 38: 22 - 42 - 23

Chibu Women's 38: 21 - 38 - 23

Chibu 37: 22 - 40 - 23

Kunimitsu Men's 39: 22 - 45 - 25

Kunimitsu Men's 38: 22 - 45 - 25

Bio-Dobari Men's 39: 22 - 46 - 26

Bio-Koto Men's 39: 25 - 42 - 26

Naomitsu Hand-made Men's 39: (22-25) - (44-46) - 25

* A random sampling of a number of shinai we have on hand in our store now. Typical; however, the shinai you may receive may differ slightly.