New Iaito

There is nothing quite as grand as getting a package from a foreign country - in this case, Japan:

It is my iaito, or training sword.  It is a sword which is blunt and the blade of alloy but crafted to the standards of a traditional Japanese sword and in the correct length - in my case, 2.8 shaku (32") of blade for my school.

This is first - and only time- you will see this knot.  I can never recreate it:

The fuchi (ornament at the end of the hilt, or tsuka) and the kashira (or pommel) both have grain:

The menuki (ornaments under the hilt warp, or tsuka-itto, which are used to help grasp it) are rabbits!

The tsuba (guard) is some flame looking thing that reminds me of Buddhist texts of the underworld:

The hamon (line) where traditionally clay is placed before it is fired to create the differential steel is particularly fine:

It even comes with its own "imitation sword" certificate - quite necessary when taking it to Japan (so you can get it in and leave the country with it).

I am very happy with my purchase.  It has been a long wait to purchase (4 years) and will undoubtedly give me many years of good service (at this point, it is safe to assume I am in it for the long haul..).