Even if you order a custom-made kendo uniform or armor, the basic colors and specifications will remain the same. But what about the shinai bag? Not only are there a wide variety of colors, but there are also a wide variety of embroidery and materials. Of all the kendo equipment, the shinai bag is perhaps the one that allows you to express your individuality and style the most. In this article, we will introduce some points to consider when choosing the perfect shinai bag.

Table of ContentsPoints to consider when choosing a bamboo sword bag

• capacity
• specification
• material
• price

Points to consider when choosing a bamboo sword bag

There are many different types of shinai bags, and the optimal capacity varies depending on each individual's kendo lifestyle. When choosing a shinai bag, please refer to the following points.

1. capacity

First, think about what you will use it for and how much you will use it for. If you only go to regular practice, two clubs, one for practice and one as a spare, may be enough. However, if you also want to use it for matches, you may want to bring three, and if you are going on an away trip and staying overnight, you may want to bring four or five. Furthermore, if you are traveling with a team, you may need something that can hold more than ten clubs. As you can see, the capacity you need will vary depending on your kendo lifestyle. To avoid regretting after purchasing something that should have held more, think about what you will use it for and consider the optimal capacity.

2. Specifications

There are shoulder bags that can be worn over the shoulder and those with handles that can be held by hand. Cloth bags often do not have handles. For elementary and junior high school students just starting kendo, shoulder bags with horizontal bands that securely hold the shinai are recommended. High school and university students increasingly use types without handles. As you enter the workforce and beyond, each person's needs and preferences vary, so choose one that is easy to use. Another important point to consider is how easy it is to put the shinai in and take them out. For elementary school students, a one-touch type with a metal fastener is easy to use. For those who want to carry multiple shinai at once and want to make accessing them more convenient, a zippered bag that can be opened completely is recommended. Furthermore, having an internal pocket for the tsuba and tsuba stopper will further enhance convenience. Incidentally, recently, armor bags with wheels and pockets for shinai bags have become available. Using these makes carrying them even easier.

3. Materials

Materials can be broadly divided into three types: nylon, leather/synthetic leather, and canvas. Nylon bags are relatively inexpensive, and shoulder bags make up the majority of them. They won't get heavy when wet, and stains come off easily. They're lightweight, making them perfect for elementary school students' first shinai bags. Leather and synthetic leather bags have a luxurious feel and are characterized by their strength and durability. They often come in chic colors and have sophisticated designs, making them recommended for connoisseurs. Canvas is a thick cloth woven with a plain weave. Its name comes from its use in ship sails in the past. Canvas is strong, durable, and highly breathable, making it an ideal material for shinai bags. Because it's cloth, it can be embroidered with a variety of designs, making it an excellent choice for creating custom-made shinai bags. Price Nylon pencils for elementary school students can be purchased for around 2,000 yen. Even adult pencils, if you only have a two-pencil pack and don't have any particular preferences, will cost around 3,000 to 6,000 yen, with a wide variety to choose from. The price will increase depending on the capacity, specifications, material, etc. If you're ordering a custom-made pencil, the price will vary depending on the number of characters and patterns you want embroidered, but it's best to expect at least 10,000 yen. High-quality pencils made from genuine cowhide can cost over 40,000 yen, so it's important to consider your budget.

Custom-made

If commercially available products are boring, you want to use matching items for your team, or you want to add a message to your gift, why not try a custom-made shinai bag? You can customize the color, embroidery, and other aspects to create your ideal shinai bag. It's best to consider the points mentioned in the "Things to Consider When Choosing a Shinai Bag" section . Once you've decided on these, the next step is design. Cloth bags, in particular, offer a wide variety of fabrics and embroidery styles, as well as a wide selection of fonts and patterns. It's common for customers to embroider team mottos, four-character kendo phrases, or even a single character of their own name. Patterns range from basic dragonflies and cherry blossoms to auspicious designs like daruma and dragons, as well as family crests and birth flowers. Shinai bags are designed to last. Spend some time thinking about the perfect shinai bag to find one you love.

About Takarabune

Image source: http://housen-jusai.jp/goods.html Are you familiar with the brand of shinai bags called Hosen? Even if you don't know the brand name, you've likely seen one at a tournament or other venue. Hosen's shinai bags are extremely popular and beloved by many. One reason for their popularity is their undeniable quality. Each shinai bag is meticulously crafted by artisans with a focus on quality materials, using 100% cotton canvas woven in Japan. This canvas fabric is extremely durable, and the craftsmen are meticulous in producing unique colors when dyeing the fabric. The colors evoke a new sensibility while maintaining tradition, meticulously dyed using the experience and skill of their skilled artisans. Furthermore, while the embroidery thread offers a diverse range of 54 colors, attention to detail is also evident, such as limiting the fabric used for aesthetic reasons. You can also choose from a wide range of fonts for the letter embroidery, each beautifully recreating the dynamic feel of calligraphy, allowing you to feel the taste of handwriting. Takarabune is a trusted manufacturer that has been loved by people of all generations. If you are thinking of ordering something custom made, please take a look at this. http://housen-jusai.jp/shinai.html

handmade

If you're looking to create a truly original shinai bag, you can always make one yourself. While it takes time, you can choose your favorite fabric, and the satisfaction of completing the bag is undeniable. The leather for the bottom can also be purchased at armor shops. Here are some examples of handmade shinai bags I've seen: - Someone remade a kimono and used an obi-jime (sash belt) for the shinai bag's strings. - Someone painted a large white peony flower in the center of a piece of black fabric (they said they had a skilled, highly-trained teacher paint it for them). - Someone created a felt university emblem, filled with memories, and attached it. Everyone put a lot of effort into their shinai bags, and they loved them. If you're confident in your hands and want to create a one-of-a-kind shinai bag, why not give it a try?

summary

There is a truly wide variety of shinai bags, so choosing one is fun. Finding a shinai bag that you like can help boost your motivation for kendo. A shinai bag is also a great way to celebrate your child's entrance to school or a promotion. If you are thinking about purchasing a shinai bag, be sure to check out this article.

Also read this helpful article:

https://bushizo.com/media/201706/14/ https://bushizo.com/media/201706/12/ https://bushizo.com/media/201706/6/