This is a 40 1/2" premium quality hardwood bokken. The bokken is typically used as a training tool for learning Kendo, Iaido or Kenjutsu training. The bokken is constructed as a wooden imitation of a katana, although the bokken typically has a better balance than most swords found on the market today. The bokken is typically used for practice of Kendo, but do not let that fool you into thinking the bokken is harmless. The bokken is an efficient self defense weapon. When in the hands of an experienced fighter the bokken can be just as effective as a katana.