I just burned 950 Euros on martial arts stuff…

[Jotun]

…I ordered - in Japan - a custom iaito (practice sword). Thanks to my size alone, it was 200 Euros on top of the basic price for starters - heavyweight blade and 2.7 shaku (82 cm) length of the blade, the 9.5 sun (about 29 cm) tsuka (handle) also cost extra. So I decided out of spite to splurge a bit on a "navy" look. Brass tsuba, navy blue saya (sheath), navy blue tsuka wrapping, yellow gold sageo (the cord that ties the sheath to the belt) and brass/gold applications wherever possible.

I also ordered a brocade sword bag with my first name embroidered on it in katakana (Henrikku) with a yellow basic color and a navy blue cord to close it. If you got it, flaunt it, right?



Yes, I have now committed to practising toyama-ryu kenjutsu.
Blue gi and a hakama are also on the way.

My wife and I just got a 9.000+ Euros tax refund. My designated fun money is now gone

Only just seen this. All I can say is, good man! Sometimes you need to do things for fun and enjoyment. One can never have too many power tools, swords, knives, models and bits of tech.

Please to tell your wife; boys never grow up, our toys just get bigger and more expensive!

She is very understanding. My hobbies netted her a few good knives after all, and a happy husband
To translate another German proverb: Men turn seven years old. After that, they only grow taller

[Jotun]

Update: The iaito arrived yesterday. 150 Euros import tax plus a nominal fee for UPS. Tozando cheated on the price declaration

Import tax usually is 19 percent (same as VAT). I paid roughly 1,000 Euros. You do the math

[Johnnie Lyle]

Great, German samurai

[Evileconomist]

Awesome blade, love it!

[Jotun]

FInally had my first class with the new iaito (much delayed "thanks" to work and health reasons). My forearms are very unhappy with me this morning

[jemhouston]

Later they will thank you.