When purchasing kendo equipment, have you ever considered buying second-hand equipment?

At first glance, it may seem like a good deal, but at the same time, you may be worried about what you'll do if you end up buying something really bad.

So, this time we have summarized some points to be careful about when purchasing used kendo equipment.

Where to buy used kendo equipment

If you want to buy used kendo equipment, where can you find it?

①Yahoo ! Auctions

Yahoo! Auctions is probably the most popular place to buy second-hand items.

For example, if you search for "kendo armor set," you'll get roughly 300 search results.

If you scroll down the page, you will see "Product Condition" on the left, with options such as "Unused" and "Used." Under "Used," there are further options such as "Like New" and "No noticeable scratches or stains."

② Mercari

You can also find used kendo equipment on the flea market app " Mercari ," which has been featured in TV commercials and other media.

When I searched for "kendo armor set," nearly 130 search results came up.

Furthermore, if you want to search more specifically, there is an "Advanced Search" option at the top. If you open it, just like on Yahoo! Auctions, there is an item called "Item Condition," with options such as "New, unused" and "Like new."

③ Jimoty

It's a nationwide free advertising bulletin board. You can advertise unwanted items to buy, sell, or give away, or even find work or club members. Unlike Yahoo! Auctions and Mercari, this is based on the premise that people living nearby will be interacting directly with each other.

When I searched for "kendo armor set," several results came up.

However, there is no section for product condition, so you will have to judge based on the description on each individual page.

④ Second-hand kendo equipment store

If you search for "used kendo equipment" on the internet, you will find many websites of shops that specialize in second-hand kendo equipment, in addition to the ones mentioned above. Since these are specialist businesses, they have a lot of product information, such as size labels, and seem to have a wide selection of products in a variety of sizes.

However, I think the market price will be set to a certain extent, so the chances of coming across products at bargain prices will be slim.

Important points to note when purchasing

If you are thinking of purchasing used kendo equipment, what should you pay attention to so that you don't end up regretting your purchase?

(1) Is it really a good deal?

First of all, the first thing you need to consider is whether it is really a good deal.

The price of kendo equipment varies depending on the product, and some items can be purchased brand new for a very low price.

Moreover, kendo equipment has become lighter in recent years, and many of the equipment is much lighter than those from a generation ago. The length and shape of the menfuton have also changed.

Taking these factors into consideration, it is a good idea to carefully consider whether buying second-hand equipment is a better deal and then consider whether to purchase used kendo equipment.

(2) Problems with payment etc.

When making transactions such as auctions, we often hear about problems such as not receiving the product after winning the bid and paying the price, or receiving a product that is different from the product description.

In order to prevent such troubles from occurring, it is important to take safety measures such as carefully reading the listing description (and also checking the photos) and carefully checking the seller's ratings (especially the ratings on the listing), so please be careful.

(3) Damage and dirtiness

Since these are kendo equipment that have been used by someone before, they will inevitably have some damage or dirt. They may also have been repaired repeatedly over the years of use.

If you are concerned about even minor scratches or stains, second-hand items may not be suitable for you.

Check the product condition carefully from the photos and description to make a purchase you won't regret.

Since the only way to judge the condition is by looking at the photos, it is best to avoid products from sellers who only post photos that make it difficult to determine the condition.

Another thing you can't tell from a photo is the smell. This may be unpleasant for people who are sensitive to smells. You need to make sure that the product has been properly cared for to avoid any odors.

(4) Does the size fit?

When it comes to kendo equipment, the most important thing is whether the size fits.

If it's a little big, you can adjust it and wear it, but if it's small, there's nothing you can do.

You should also make sure that the product description clearly states the size.

Now, let's take a look at the points to pay attention to for each piece of kendo equipment.

Important points to note for each piece of kendo equipment

First, make sure you know your size correctly.

How to measure your size

Also, if you already have kendo equipment, you may want to measure the size of it.

(1) Surface

Even when purchasing new items, it can be difficult to get the right size.

Check that the following sizes fit and are properly labeled:

・Inner ring length (from chin to upper forehead)

- The length of the inner ring (the widest part around the cheekbone)

・Width of the face futon

・Length of the face futon

・Around the whorl (headband)

・Around the pot

If the seller is kind, they will also attach images of the size being measured, making it easy to see how it was actually measured.

Also, the points to check from the photos to see the degree of damage and dirt are:

- Damage to the edges of the face (especially around the top of the head)

- The degree of tearing and discoloration of the inner quilt

・The degree of dirt on the chin (inside)

is.

If the inside of the face mask is torn, it is best to refrain from bidding.

(2) Kote

The size is

·full length

・Length of the futon

There are many things that only have these two things written on them,

If the seller is friendly,

・The length and width of your hand when it is open

Some of them measure the above.

Here too, if a size measurement image is attached, you will be able to see which part was actually measured and use it as a guide for making a judgment.

It is also possible to determine the approximate hand size of the user based on whether they are male or female, an adult, a junior or senior high school student, or a child.

Even if you end up with a pair of gauntlets that are slightly the wrong size, you can go to a bogu (armor) shop and they may be able to replace the leather on the inside of your hand with something closer to the size of your hand, so it's a good idea to ask.

Regarding the degree of damage and dirt, it is best to avoid items with ripped or holes in the handle. You will need to judge the items that are relatively clean from the photos.

However, if the only part broken is the hand, and you don't mind paying for repairs, you can have just the leather on the hand replaced at an armor shop after purchase.

(3) Torso

The size of the body is also important.

If the torso is too large, it will be difficult to move, so make sure to choose one that fits your body.

The body dimensions required are as follows:

Height of the body

・Back opening

Check the condition of the body for damage and dirt.

- Damage and discoloration of the chest

・The degree of dirt on the back of the body

is.

As for the dodai, scratches will occur as you use it, so unless it has a very bad scratch or is cracked, you don't need to worry too much about it.

You can even repair some minor scratches yourself.

(4) Tare

The sizes of the tare are only divided into large, medium, and small, so you don't need to worry too much about anything other than the length of the tare string. If the tare string is not long enough, you won't be able to wear it, so be careful not to get one that is too short.

Check points for damage to the dripping

・Are the decorations not torn or torn?

The hangings have many decorations on them, and if they are damaged, they do not look good.

Other cheap ways to get kendo equipment

Aside from buying second-hand kendo equipment, are there any other places where you can get kendo equipment cheaply?

(1) Ask an acquaintance to give it to you

You may be able to receive equipment from a teacher, fellow trainee, or senior. It's a good idea to ask, "Do you have any unused bogu?"

(2) Outlet Kendo Equipment Stores and Used Goods Stores

There are also some vendors who sell not second-hand goods, but products that have been rejected during quality and safety inspections, but are still in good condition for normal use, at low prices.

Most items are one-of-a-kind, so there is no guarantee that you will find the right size, and even if there is, it is first come, first served.

(3) Purchase new kendo equipment

However, recently, if you search online shops, you can get brand new armor at very low prices. If you look for sales, you may be able to get it for half the regular price, so be sure to check the information regularly.

Also, local armor shops may be able to sell you items at a low price if they have been in stock for years. If you don't insist on buying armor as a set, and are willing to buy individual pieces, you will have more options and a better chance of getting them at a low price.

summary

Here are some points to keep in mind when purchasing second-hand kendo equipment.

A used item may look cheap at first glance, but if it ends up costing you more than necessary to repair, it would have been better to buy a new one in the first place. However, if the original item is in very good condition, even if it costs a certain amount of repair, you can still say that it was a good deal.

Therefore, it is important to choose something at a price that is within your reach, taking into account the cost of subsequent repairs.

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