|
Our next test involved
the dragon marked bokken. Conducted on the 27th of December
2003. Our client  Sandata
Crafts had requested that we do a destruction test on at
least one of the bokken. Being more reserved or conservative
in our Martial approach we chose the non-decorated bokken
for survival.
Our subject, the
Dragon inlayed Daito bokken. Our testing medium, bricks.
We purchased from home depot four bricks. Three paving bricks
of white concrete measuring 2x9x16 and one red clay brick
measuring 3x6x9.
The first impact
against a single white paving brick was done with the brick
free standing on a table. The impact was directed at the
wide face of the brick utilizing the monouchi or cutting
portion of the bokken's blade. The brick was of course broken.
The interesting note was the minimal scaring of the bokken.
And the complete lack of breakage or fracturing.
Next we repeated
the test, but as a target selected the red brick. Results
were similar, but there was a deeper impact point on the
bokken.
For the third test,
two paving stones were used. Stood on end, side by side
with about ¾ of an inch separating them a Yoko-giri style
cut was preformed. Both bricks were broken along the centerline.
However this test did in fact fracture the bokken. At this
point testing of the bokken ended for the day.
At this time we are
still utilizing the Shoto bokken and the smooth Daito in
our dojo to prove our crush theory. So far the Daito is
performing very well. Seldom do we encounter a bokken that
can stand up to this item. Further we have banned the use
of red oak against this bokken. Golden or white oak are
fine. As are other woods of a dense nature, hickory, ironwood
or ebony are acceptable training partners for this bokken.
In conclusion we
have found the ironwood bokken from Sandata Crafts to be
an excellent choice in equipment. A touch heavy and "luggish"
seeming at first this bokken quickly grows on you and becomes
a welcome addition to your gear bag. And to some who are
unaccustomed  to
using dense wood, this bokken feels heavy. But the reality
is these are fine useable items that once understood by
the user, are probably the best equipment around. I do believe
that to lighten the wood used in this bokken as I have seen
other companies do would be to compromise the potential
of this weapon. The density of this wood is perfectly suited
to regular full contact use.
Keven Cecil
White
Heron Dojo Reno NV
|