This guide is designed to help new Iaidoka understand the options available to them on the market, to cut through confusion around Japanese terminology and to ensure that they can end up with the perfect size, weight and "fit" for their new training companion. For a guide on the meaning and pronunciation of sword parts click here.

What is an Iaito?

Iaito (pronounced ee-eye-tow) are blunt alloy or stainless steel swords made for especially for the safe practice of Iaido and Iaijutsu.

By definition Iaito (居合刀), have a dull cutting edge, and whilst retaining a pointed tip, offer beginners a safe way to learn and practice Iaido without the risk of a Shinken, a sharp "live" blade.

Iaito are also used by higher level practitioners in a busy Dojo or seminar setting where the use of a Shinken would not be safe.

Where to start?

Before you buy a training sword, we highly recommend discussing this process with your Sensei. You would often need to confirm if you are ready to move on to an Iaito and if they have any preferences on length, weight or style which would be suitable for you.

It will often be the case that your Sensei and seniors within the Dojo will be able to let you try a few different swords in the Dojo so that you can get a feel for the sizes and types of Iaito available.

When you are ready begin your search choose a reputable supplier. All Iaito Nine Circles supply are first and foremost practical training tools. From our most basic range through to our most prestigious premium Iaito these swords are built for use. Our customers can buy with confidence that they are using swords used by the international Iaido community for decades.

What length should I choose?

Different schools of swordsmanship would traditionally have recommendations on the length of their swords based on the preferences and tactics of their fighting system and of particular teachers or practitioners.

For Iaido in Europe, most mainstream Iaido Dojo come under the control of the ZNKR (All Japan Kendo Federation). If you are practicing Setei Iaido most beginners would choose the length of Iaito based on the following standard size chart, as recommended by the ZNKR:

If you are between sizes based on your height the recommendation would normally be to go down to the smaller length option.

Based on the preferences of individual teachers or styles there are exceptions to this standard chart, so if you are not certain, be sure to seek confirmation before you buy.

Blade length is measured in the traditional Japanese measurements of Shaku and Sun. One Shaku is approximately 30.3cm or 11.9 inches whilst one Sun is approximately 3.03cm or 1.19 inches.

When a sword length is listed as 2.50 Shaku, it means the sword is 2 Shaku and 5 Sun or 75.75cm/29.8 inches. If you need a handy converter you can find an online resource here.

The measurement is traditionally taken from the tip of the Kissaki to the Mune Machi, where the back edge of the blade meets the body of the Habaki, as seen here:

We do not usually advise reducing blade size to make early practice easier as this tends to hamper the development of correct body movement and Sayabiki (scabbard movement). That said we would always defer to your teacher's specific recommendations.

Standard or Lightweight?

Iaito blades are typically available in two general styles, standard weight and lightweight.

Standard weight blades are designed to emulate the approximate weight and dimensions of a real sword (Shinken) as closely as possible.

Standard weight blades are suitable for the vast majority of adult practitioners.

Lightweight blades are scaled down in height, thickness and typically have a greater taper towards the tip. These blades are really designed to make Iaido practice physically easier to perform.

Lightweight blades are particularly well suited to those who are slight of build, petite ladies or teenagers and those who are at risk of developing an injury or who are suffering with an existing injury.

Some teachers or Dojo may have a particular preference for lightweight swords and are likely to have advised you to that effect before suggesting you make a purchase.

Some longer sizes are only available in standard weight due to the structural implications of a longer blade with less material. Equally we may only carry certain shorter lengths in lightweight models due to short blades being most often suitable for more petite practitioners.

Which Model to Select?

Hopefully now you know the length of sword you need and have decided whether you would prefer a standard or lightweight option. This will help to narrow down the options within our extensive range of Iaito.

The way an Iaito looks should come at this later stage of the decision-making process because it is of the least importance. When it comes to a training tool, practical factors should be prioritised over aesthetic ones.

We deal with a diverse range of well-known Iaito manufacturers and each supplier offers something a little bit different.

Minosaka Iaito - Minosaka produce their range of practical Iaido swords swords in the Japanese Prefecture of Gifu. Their Iaito have developed a well-deserved global reputation based on decades of high quality Iaido training tools. All stock Minosaka models feature lightweight blades as standard.

Models:

Tokusei Iaito – Lightweight entry level Iaito available in 2.20-2.45 Shaku. Simple hilt fittings and Tsuba complement a functional light blade. Perfect for beginners starting out in Iaido on a budget. In stock 3-5 day lead time.

Higo Koshirae – Lightweight mid range Iaito in 2.35-2.55 Shaku lengths. Minosaka's popular lightweight blade is combined with upgraded Koshirae (sword fittings), including a steel Tsuba (guard), detailed Habaki (collar) and Fuchi Kashira (hilt fittings). In stock 3-5 day lead time.

Deluxe Higo Koshirae – Upgraded Lightweight Iaito in 2.40-2.50 Shaku size options. A further upgrade on the popular Higo Koshirae, this model features traditional silk Ito Maki (hilt binding) and Sageo (scabbard cord) in a variety of colour options and Tsuba (guard) options. In stock 3-5 day lead time.
 

Kurin Swords – Kurin produce stainless steel Iaito and mono steel Shinken. Set up overseas by a Japanese company in the year 2000 to produce swords for the international Iaido market without the restrictions of Japanese law, their unique ranges have become firm favourites. The Kurin Iaito are standard weight models.

Models:

Stainless Steel Iaito – Standard weight Iaito in 2.30-2.60 Shaku lengths. As close as you can get to a Shinken without the danger factor. These swords feature polished and tempered 430 stainless steel blades which accurately emulate the weight, balance and flex of a live blade sword. High quality silver finish fittings and steel Tsuba (guards) in a variety of designs complete these excellent standard weight options. In stock 3-5 day lead time.
 

Nosyudo Iaito - Nosyudo produce the finest Iaito made in Japan. This premium quality range is produced in Seki, Gifu prefecture, an area famous for its sword making heritage. Nosyudo combine the finest quality Koshirae (sword fittings) with the best sand cast alloy blades on the market, resulting in stunning Iaito available both from stock or as completely bespoke, custom made models.

Models:

Classic Tokujo – Standard weight premium Iaito in 2.35-2.60 Shaku. The original Nosyudo model with a chunky, well balanced blade in combination with top class fittings and Tsuba (guard). Highly practical training tools and the most aesthetically pleasing models available from stock. In stock 3-5 day lead time.

Lightweight Tokujo – Lightweight premium Iaito in 2.35-2.45 Shaku. A very popular option for lightweight Iaito, these blades are approximately 100-150g lighter than the standard weight options of corresponding length. Featuring the same fine quality fittings these are the best lightweight swords on the global market. In stock 3-5 day lead time.

Custom Built Tokujo – Bespoke standard or lightweight Iaito in 2.00-2.60 Shaku*. Build the dream! Choose from over 270 options to make one of the quintillion (2900' 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000!) potential combinations in your own unique Iaito build. These pieces take 10-14 weeks on average to produce to your specifications.

*Nosyudo lightweight blades are available for up to a maximum length of 2.45 Shaku.

Other Factors –

Tsuka (grip) length is typically proportionate to blade length. Standard Tsuka length for blade length is illustrated in this chart:

In Japan strict laws governing weapons specify that Iaito must be made from a non-ferrous material which cannot be sharpened to hold an edge. As such Iaito blades made in Japan are typically made from zinc-aluminium alloy which is cast in shape and then have chrome applied as a finishing process.

Some Iaito blades are made from stainless steel which is polished to a mirror finish and which mimics a sharp sword much more closely in weight, curvature and material flex. Stainless steel blades cannot be taken into Japan however and are produced purely for sale outside Japan for the use of international Iaido community.

If it's not right first time, don't panic! If you send the sword back to us in perfect, unused condition we will offer you a full refund or exchange.

What if your sword develops an issue? Within warranty Nine Circles offer a comprehensive service to repair or replace as necessary. Beyond warranty we can offer the option to service your Nine Circles Iaito and supply selected components and fitting where required at competitive prices.

If you have any questions or require any guidance our expert advisors are available to help you, just drop us a line by email, phone or social media and we will get back to you as soon as possible.