Frequently Asked Questions


General

Why are your training tools priced so high?

Every training tool on this site is 100% made by hand. From design to the finished product, your order never leaves our craftsman's hands to be put into any kind of machine. Additionally, the material takes a fine polish, so an appropriate time is spent on fit and finish. 

 

Are your training tools dangerous?

They can be considered dangerous, but not any more so than any training tool. Getting hit with anything is not a good thing. As in training with any weapon, use caution.

 

Do you have a physical store?

 

Shinbudo tools are handcrafted in a residential workshop, and we do not have a physical location. If you're in the Mid-Willamette Valley, Oregon area and would like to see our products in person, please contact us.

 

Material

What are your training tools made from?

We use a variety of materials for our training tools. From the traditional wood to the modern paper and canvas phenolics, to other more exotic materials. We source from various manufacturers of the product based on availability and color selections. You can read more about our options on our Material Choices page.

 

How durable are these materials?

 

It is difficult to answer this question directly. Phenolics are harder than most exotic hardwoods, but equally or more flexible. Have a look at our video showing how it stands up to red oak, white oak, and hickory (skip to 6:05 for the test). The canvas phenolics are even more durable.




How hard is the paper phenolic?

 

Roughly 8 to 10 times more dense than exotic hardwood such as lignum vitae, orange osage, or ebony.

 

How heavy are these materials compared to wood?

 

These materials are a bit denser and heavier than wood. However, because of their properties, we're able to make the tools thinner than what you would find in a wooden weapon without sacrificing durability. To get an idea of the weights of our bokken, take a look at our Up for Grabs page. Each bokken has the weight listed.

 

Can I do impact training with your tools?

 

Our products are meant to be trained with in the same way that you would train with a high-end wooden training tool. However, while this material is more durable than hardwood, it doesn't mean you should train harder. Even metal will bend and dent if you smash it against another metal pole. it's recommended that you treat our tools the way you would treat a live blade or any other expensive tool. These tools are designed with a blunt edge so they won't completely destroy softer woods. 

 

Product Care and Handling

How long will my phenolic training tool last?

These training tools will last for years if properly taken care of. Unlike a wooden training tool, you won't see the same wear and tear marks and splintering. We have local customers who have been using the same training tools for over 20 years.

 

What can I do to make my training tool last longer?

 

With only a small amount of care you can ensure that your training tool will last for years and years. It is very important to avoid dropping your tool on, or striking it against, harder materials (concrete, metal, etc.). Where a wooden bokken might dent when striking a harder surface, this material may chip. There is nothing that can be done about a chip short of sending it back to use to see if we can reshape it, so it's important to avoid heavy impacts with harder materials.

 

What can I do to keep my training tool so shiny?

 

Because of the polish on them, our training tools easily pick up oil from skin, and can lose some of their shine over time. To polish them up, simply rub them with a very soft, fine cloth and a little bit of rubbing alcohol. You should be able to get it back to its original shine. If you give your training tools a wipe-down with a soft cloth after each use, you can avoid the build-up of oils. We also will polish your bokken again for free if you pay shipping.

Shipping and Returns

Do you do custom orders?

We do few custom orders. We always take requests, but we mostly focus on keeping our Up for Grabs page full to the best of our abilities. 

Do you ship internationally?

YES, but due to varying lengths of our products and the many different restrictions in different countries, we have some limitations on where we can ship. If you're living outside the USA and don't see your country listed at checkout, contact us, and we will see what we can do for you.

When can I expect my order?

Our turnaround time is between 7-14 days for Up for Grabs items.

We are two guys with day jobs, and getting to the post office isn't always easy. If you are in a rush to get your order for a deadline, please get in touch with and we will see what we can do! 

Can I change or cancel my order?

If work on your order has not yet started, you are more than welcome to cancel or make changes; just send us an email. We often communicate with customers throughout the process on custom orders. Started and completed orders can be cancelled, however you will be charged a 30% restocking fee.

How much will shipping cost?

Our shipping costs vary from location to location and based on the length of the training tool more than the weight. Shipping is free for all shipments within the U.S. and we can ship bokken sized training tools to most places in the world for around 30USD.

My order arrived damaged, what should I do?

If you receive an item that is damaged due to shipping, please let us know immediately after receiving it.

Can I return my order if I'm not happy?

We are confident that you will love your Shinbudo training tool. However, if you're dissatisfied with your order for any reason, you're welcome to return your product within 14 days of the delivery date. Items from our Up For Grabs section can be returned for a full refund minus shipping. If you intend to return an item which was bespoke, please note that you will be charged a 30% restocking fee. If you are not seeking a refund but would like some adjustments on your custom order, please contact us and we will do what we can to make sure you're satisfied. Please be aware that you are responsible for shipping (both ways) of all products returned to us for any of the above reasons. If you find that we have made a mistake on your order, please contact us immediately.