Nice to meet you! I'm Abe from the BUSHIZO Shibuya showroom!

This time I would like to introduce the Saito mask that was custom made for me the other day.

I think many people are interested in real reputations and word of mouth, so I decided to write a review article!

I hope this will be helpful for you when purchasing armor.

1. What is Saito?

2. Introducing the custom-made Saito

3. Impressions after actually using it

4. lastly

1. Regular introduction to Saito

Many people who practice kendo may have seen this armor. Some may even have used it. "Saito" is such a famous and popular armor, but why is it so famous and popular? The secret lies in its country of production and price.

Saito is a "purely domestic" armor made by the Japan Kendo Equipment Factory. It is made to order and each piece is handcrafted by a craftsman to fit the customer's needs.

Let me explain a little about Nippon Kendo Equipment Factory. Nippon Kendo Equipment Factory is currently the only company in Japan that can produce all of the equipment needed for kendo. The number of domestically produced kendo equipment factories is decreasing year by year. Despite this situation, we still make kendo equipment from scratch.

Returning to the topic at hand, the quality of the "Saito" armor made by the Nippon Kendo Equipment Factory is extremely high, making it worthy of being called domestically produced armor. What's also surprising is its price. Generally, a complete set of domestically produced, machine-stitched armor starts at around 200,000 yen. However, the complete set of Saito armor is priced at just 143,000 yen, a truly exceptional bargain. You can get high-quality domestically produced armor at this price, so it's no wonder it's so popular.

[Nihon Kendogu Seisakusho] Saito -SAITO- 6mm Stitched Armor Set

The Saito armor series is designed using the traditional craftsmanship and renowned artisanal techniques of Miyazaki Prefecture. The name comes from Saito, the city of martial arts equipment. Saito was created as a kendo armor manufacturer to promote the town and raise money for local tax donations, but it quickly became a popular brand. The concept of the brand is to promote the town and raise money for local tax donations, so high quality at a low price is a given. This Japanese-made armor offers a lightweight design that prioritizes ease of movement, a beautiful, luxurious appearance, and the same craftsmanship as the original, yet at a reasonable price.
It can be used for daily practice as well as matches.
We bring you works of art that shine with traditional techniques from the historic Saito region of Miyazaki Prefecture.

2. Introduction of custom-made Saito

This time I had a custom-made Saito mask made, and I would like to introduce the details of the customization.

First of all, the biggest difference between the regular Saito and my Saito is the stitching method. Regular Saito uses 6mm mesh stitches, but this time I changed to a 5x5mm grid stitch. The grid stitching gives it a hand-stitched texture and adds a touch of luxury. Furthermore, increasing the number of stitches tightens the futon, giving it more body and making it easier to shape.

Next, change the color of the decorative thread. The decorative thread is usually black or dark blue. This time I changed to dark brown. By using dark brown, it gives off a calm yet decorative look. I also changed the material of the chin, edge, and selvedge leather from Clarino to navy deerskin. By changing the material, I can enjoy the texture of the navy leather and the way the color fades with practice.

3. Impressions after actually using it

When I actually used the custom-made Saito, I felt that it was softer than I expected. Of course, it had a certain degree of hardness. It held its shape well and was firm. However, compared to other cross-stitched armor, I think it falls into the softer category. With just the right amount of firmness and softness, it doesn't get in the way when swinging the shinai, and it doesn't lose its shape even when used, making it a well-balanced piece of armor.

·lastly

What do you think? Once you buy armor, you can use it for a long time. If you're going to the trouble of buying armor, you want to pay attention to the smallest details. I hope this article will be helpful in choosing your armor. If you have any questions, please come to BUSHIZO. We will make suggestions for armor that meet your needs!

If you are looking for it, click here

[Nihon Kendogu Seisakusho] Saito -SAITO- 6mm Stitched Armor Set