Classic & Koryu Shoto

About Our Shoto Collection

The Shoto are also called Wakizashi and mainly used in Koryu or Kendo but also in certain schools of Aikido.

Our wooden weapons are produced by one of the last traditional workshops in the south of Japan, in the region of Miyakonojo (Kyushu), Matsuzaki, Nidome, and Aramaki (learn more about the workshops on our Artisans Presentation Page). We decided to separate the different shapes of Shoto and offer them in all types of wood. Available woods are red oak (Akagashi), white oak (Shirakashi), Isu no Ki, Sunuke, Tsubaki (Camellia), Kokutan Murasaki (Purple Ebony), Shima Kokutan (Asian Ebony), Buna and Kiri. For other woods such as Hon Biwa or Hon Kokutan, or other models not offered on this page, please contact us directly for a quotation. You can refer to the page "How to Choose your Bokken/Wood" to help you make your choice. Please note that all models are not available in all wood types and rare woods can have manufacturing delays of up to 5-6 weeks. Please refer to the detailed information on each product page.

In 2021, with concerns for the workers, all workshops greatly reduced the number of urethane-varnished weapons and replaced the finish by "Candle Wax". Seido is now transitioning to a new finish offer for the majority of its weapons, which consists of either camellia oil treatment (standard finish) or camellia oil with extra polishing + bee wax finish (Seido special finish). Until all stocks for varnish weapons run out, varnish finish is still offered on some weapons.