I'm looking for a foam-padded bokken that looks EXACTLY like this: http://www.karatemart.com/foam-padded-katana. The problem is the product in the link sucks. When I was in NYC 8 years ago, I bought a cheap bokken that looks like the product in the link EXACTLY. It was made of china (said so on the bottom of the handle), and after using it for 8 years, it has not broken and the foam has only received superficial damage (the wood inside hasn't been exposed). I used to have a pair, but my other one broke when I sparred against an oak tai-chi sword. So then I needed another one, and I bought the one in the link above. When I got it, even though the bokken looked the same as my original one, it felt flimsier and the foam was crap. After one day, the new bokken's foam got torn off and the wood cracked. If its relavant, the new one was made in Taiwan. Long story short, I'm looking for a strong bokken that looks like the one in the link. I am also looking for a foamed shortsword.
Padded swords and padded sticks I found such shop http://www.softhanbo.com last year and I have been really satisfied with their equipment (padded sticks and padded swords). I ordered the stick set and pair of leather tabi from them and the quality is outstanding. Also they have turned close attention to the safety points. For next I'm planning to order their padded katana http://www.softhanbo.com/en/3-swords. Really exited about that - it fits the real bokken saya.(it seems that they have worked har on that one.) Hope that was helping someone.
