I've trained with the iaito for 2 years now with 100s hours of use, and felt that it's been put through enough to review.

Build quality and stability are excellent for what's considered an "entry level" iaito, and with regular oiling and cleaning it's been a joy to use. The ito is probably due to be replaced within the next year or so as its become super compacted through continuous use, but it's still as comfortable as it was when new.

It's a shame these iaito only go up to 2.45 shaku as the blade is a little short for me, and the tsuka is also quite short which can affect cutting technique but the lightweight blade and comfortable koshirae mean that generally I've had an easy time with it for the last 2 years.

The tsuba is just about starting to wiggle and rattle so some maintenance will be required, but after the amount of time I've used it that's to be expected.

The service from ninecircles was fantastic when I bought the iaito in 2022, but if you're a little taller or wider in the grip I'd definitely speak to customer services before purchasing just in case there are other products that may suit you better. Even if they're a little more money, an easier to wield iaito that will last you years is worth the investment.

Overall fantastic iaito for those just starting outland finding their way around the sword. It will serve you well and make your iai a whole lot easier to begin.

Very friendly and helpful staff as always. Thoroughly delighted with my new Minosaka Tokusei Iaito., which arrived within days of my order being placed. Thank you.

Very happy with the quality!

This is a Great affordable lightweight iaito.
From what I have read Minosaka mostly cuts costs in their more affordable iaito by spending less time on the polish of the blade, I think this is the way to go because you get a solid and well balanced iaito at a good price.
The polish has more imperfections than my more expensive iaito, for example there are some light evenly spaced scratches in the bo-hi that I assume are leftovers from the manufacturing of the raw blade.

The bread and butter of our dojo this is the go to iaito that is advised to all our students for there first sword *****