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at all before I noticed that the "over the counter" Bokkens that were available, were
wimpy, and not at all durable, and sometimes down right unsafe. As it is every
sword practitioners goal to eventually use a real or Live blade, I began thinking that
with my 20+ years as a woodworker, and my schooling as an engineer, that I could
make a better mousetrap. I began ,making prototypes, and researching over 200
woods to come up with the weapons you see on this website.
My goal here, was to come up with woods that would be safe, durable, heavy, and
also affordable. There are woods available that are so expensive that the piece of
wood for a bokken could cost more than $200, just for the piece of wood, before
fashioning a bokken from it. For the most part, I have found that these expensive
woods are no more durable than those I currently make bokken from.
As time went by, and the durability of my bokkens became noted, I was asked to
make Bo staffs, and then Arnis. All products I make are the most durable products I
believe are available for any price. I am always willing to discuss other weapons and
their design, and then make whatever you need, from whatever material you might
choose.
I began thinking then of materials I used years ago as an engineer in Silicone
Valley, that were durable in the manufacturing process that I helped engineer. I
remembered a Synthetic material known as Ultra High Molecular Weight
Polyethylene. It is heavy and all but impossible to abrade. It is a bit less than
traditional, but makes a great, indestructible weapon. I have purchased many other
synthetic bokken, and I have been able to destroy all of them but the one I make.
All of the weapons I make, are made by hand, and although I have made patterns for
my bokkens, No two are precisely alike. The design of my Bo staff, and my Arnis,
being octagon shaped, are mush more easily held on your hands, and still slide
easily, when needed.
This whole process is a learning one, and I appreciate feedback from all
practitioners. I wish that there were enough time to personally test a couple of
hundred weapons in many arts, all at the same time. This is not realistic. That is
why your feedback and ideas are so important.
All of the weapons I sell here, have been Dojo tested here where I live, as well as in
25 states and three foreign countries. The folks who have purchased my weapons
have given invaluable feedback, and help to improve all my weapons. I encourage
this feedback. Through it come more improvements.
Many Sensei's would like to have more durable, safe, weapons for their students. I
deal directly with them, to give reduced prices, and ship them quantities of weapons
to increase safety on the Dojo floor.
I also, from time to time, make some pretty strange looking weapons for those who
are involved in Anime. These are always custom in nature, and are usually just one
of a kind. These can be kind of fun to make. I appreciate the challenge.
If you have broken as many Bokkens as I and my fellow students have, then quit
throwing your money away, on "disposable" weapons. The safety and durability of
my weapons, is unsurpassed, and at the end of the year, there will be more money
left in your pocket. WHAT MORE IS NECESSARY IN THE PERFECT WEAPON,
SAFETY, DURABILITY, AND OVERALL COST?
Feel free to email or call me with any questions you may have,928-951-2112, Ray
Stephens
