Comments for Red Strings Tied Around New Shinai?

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Dec 27, 2023
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starstarstarstarstar 		What do I use to fix my Shinai?
by: Anonymous

I have barely even used my new shinai and the top leather knot has broken, what would I use to replace it?

Kendo-Guide.Com: Thank you for your question and sorry for the delay of my reply. I think you are talking about sakigawa. Please take a look at this site: https://www.e-bogu.com/Sakigawa-for-Shinai-p/hay-ken-shi-sakigawa-.htm.

This doesn't "break" that easily. I hope you purchased a legitimate shinai.
Jan 02, 2009
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starstarstarstar 		Optional
by: Brandon

You can take them off if you want to. I heard that in order for your shinai to fully "mature" they have to be off. However I also heard that it was traditional to leave them on during practice and that they would come off during practice.

This is what I did, and they did fall off after enough use. By use I mean sparring with a friend (not claiming it was kendo).


Kendo-Guide.Com: Thank you for your post. I never heard that the tradition .i.e. the red strings had to come off naturally. But it does not mean it is not true.

I have to add some points. If you use a shinai with red strings in shiai (match), you will be quietly likely told to cut the strings off. And also Japanese teachers will tend to tell you to cut the strings off.

After all, the red strings have to be removed (naturally or by the shinai owner), so it is safe to say that you can remove it as soon as you buy a shinai.

However, those are based on kendo tradition around where I studied kendo in Japan, so it does not surprise me if people from other regions follow different traditions.
Dec 18, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		thank you
by: Dave P

I didn't want to touch them until i found out, so thank you. I can now use my new shinai! yay!

Kendo-Guide.Com: You?re welcome! I?m glad! Sorry for taking too long to answer your question.

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