Shinken

Shinken refers to a Japanese sword made with a sharpened blade and intended for use in real combat or realistic cutting practice (tameshigiri). It distinguishes itself from an iaito, which is an unsharpened training sword used primarily for practicing iaido and iaijutsu.

The term "shinken" literally translates to "sharp sword" or "real sword." These swords are typically crafted from high-carbon steel, meticulously forged and tempered to achieve a balance of hardness for edge retention and flexibility for impact resistance. The manufacturing process often involves traditional Japanese techniques passed down through generations of swordsmiths.

Owning and using a shinken requires a high degree of responsibility and skill. Due to its inherent danger, it is usually recommended that individuals only acquire a shinken after considerable training with a non-lethal training weapon and under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Regulations regarding the possession and use of shinken vary significantly depending on the country or region.