Bamboo Bokken  

 

A bokken is indeed used for kata and practice. It is not to be confusd with a shinai, but it was a training tool to simulate using a katana. Despite more recent styles (Twin Heavens, etc...) the Katana was always intended to be wielded with 2 hands. It was not until the late 19th century when the katana was produced for export with a much shorter handle (a slight towards ignorant westerners) that it was thought of as a single-hand weapon.

Hence the bokken WAS traditionally wielded with 2 hands. Further, there was never a 2d weapon wielded simultaneously in traditional useage. (You Highlander fans can say what you like, I'm refering to the original Boshido practicioners.)

Besides, to allow it to be used in a florentine style would open it up to being used in the left hand... a serious fau pax.


Edited, Thu Feb 7 15:26:12 2002

Bokken are Japanese practice Katana. A TRUE Bokken had no hand guard and appears to be a curved "stick". I stick with Verant so far, although it's tip should be carved and appear sword-like though.

I also really believe that the weight is a typo? 1.5 lbs for a Bamboo and around 3lbs or so for a heavier wood such as ash or oak would be more appropriate. Also the speed should be much lower... 40 at the most.

May Tunare Guide you!
Elorienestriel
Ranger of the 22nd Season
Officer in the Candiria Knights
Torvonnilous Server

This was a great chance for Verant to fill in another gap besides a midlevel dungeon on Odus. Namely some lowlevel monk weapons for working on 1hb and 2hb until the Kunark weapons can be claimed. But this thing. Less damage, slower, and heavier than a FS great staff (or even a normal steel great staff). I sincerely hope Verant simply misplaced a decimal point in the database, but it's equally likely they still are holding a grudge about FD.