Iaito are produced by specialized workshops not in direct relations with shinken swordsmiths. Such weapons would face the same use and ownership restrictions in Japan as genuine swords, and would not be called iaitō in Japan.įirst iaitō were made after the Second World War, to permit people without means to own a real sword, to have a tool for their practice of modern budo. They may even be made of folded steel, much like a real katana, but with a blunt edge. Some imitation Japanese swords are made in countries other than Japan. Some steel iaitō are also constructed and can weigh around 900–950 g for a 74 cm blade. The average weight for a real katana ( 打刀) is typically 1,200 g without the scabbard while a typical alloy iaitō is roughly 820 g. Iaitō may even have a mock hamon ( 刃文, lit., blade pattern, the temper line of a tempered steel blade). The best alloy blades are rather faithful reproductions of real swords with authentic weight and shape along with similarly high-quality finish and fittings. As such, Japanese-made iaitō are intended as practice weapons and are not suited for any type of contact. This use of alloy and a blunt edge also avoids the Japanese legal restrictions on the manufacture of swords made of ferrous metals. Most iaitō are made of an aluminium- zinc alloy which is cheaper and lighter than steel.

The blade is made of aluminum alloy, and for the student's safety, lacks a sharp edge The iaitō shown in this photograph was custom made according to the weight and size of the student.

Iaido practice sword