I don't know what others are doing with their bokken (or bokuto)--except the one reviewer who said straight up that he was interested in hitting stuff (rock on dude)--but there is no normal use of a bokken that would even scratch it. It's only meant to replicate a sword for the purpose of swinging it instead of an actual katana--unless of course you were born before 1868 in Japan into the Samurai-class (the last folks allowed to carry katana in public), where they practiced on each other, sans armor.

If you're worried about what your kids will do with this thing, if they're getting trained by someone who doesn't advertise themselves as a "master" of any sort, but probably is in that case or else just a humble teacher, then don't worry. If the sensei preceeds his name with a lengthy title of such-and-such dan, black belt, and all around god, get your kid out of there.

In one sense, it's most certainly a weapon, as deadly as a billy club in the hands of a moron and just about as deadly as a real sword in capable hands--but then so is a drumstick or a rock (not a toy and not a real weapon).

Get the cheapest one there is. I've had several and never had a problem or really needed to replace one except that I left one somewhere like an old umbrella--a shinai is not a sword, it's an especially nicely crafted stick. And you don't need the tsubo (hand guard) even if you're actually sparing with it because that would defeat the purpose. Most of the tsubo don't really fit on these things anyway, so you shouldn't be upset if yours doesn't either. Also don't alter it--learn to use it right and you don't need any extra help with your grip. Though a tsubo is important in the sublties of kata (forms training) where placement of your thumb when not in an offensive stance is all important--it's like snapping and unsnapping a gun holster.

The only reason to spend real money on this is for simple appreciation of the wood and finish. A more expensive one is not any more useful. If you're hitting with it, you've got the wrong item; in that case, you need a shinai (bamboo slat sword) and there is a big difference in price, usefulness, and quality in shinai--from bamboo to carbon. A shinai just lacks the fantasy glamour of not looking much like a katana (real sword); and if fantasy is your thing, please don't pick up this form of it (unless, again, you're intention is just to 'hit stuff' for fun--still entertained by that one review).

You don't smack things with a sword of any kind, you slice, unless of course you mean to merely spank your opponent--which I have to admit is a fun sort of minor humiliation in sparring vs. contest (where it wouldn't be allowed). 5 stars

When I looked at the price of this bokken I figured it would fall apart like another wooden sword my friend once had. To my surprise this bokken is very sturdy and I am very happy with my purchase. 5 stars

Surprisingly sturdy for the cost, after a month or so of use all I've noticed is some tarnish off the top and a few dents along the sword... if you intend to hit things with it regularly, you may want to invest in something slightly stronger, but otherwise this should last quite a while. 5 stars

Inexpensive and takes abuse well. My first one lasted almost a year under heavy practice. The lacquer finish gets slippery realy fast if your hands sweat so I recommend giving it a light sanding along the handle to rough it up a bit before use. I've since moved up to ironwood which is much more durable, better balanced, denser, better finished, and lasts massively longer. Unfortunately it costs ten times as much. Unless you're a very serious practitioner this is a much better value. After all, if it breaks it's cheap to replace. 4 stars

Go ahead and buy it ;-) It's affordable, beautiful, and seems very sturdy. The hand-guard (while a little tacky looking) is easy to assemble and the wood is already oiled and shrink-wrapped. Good buy. 5 stars