We have been very disappointed at the quality of bos (six-foot staffs) on the market, so turned to making our own.  There are many bos commonly available, but at best they are "hardwood" (red oak or ash), and at worst are a soft pine - none of which will stand up to actual striking of hard targets.  Many bos on the market are even tapered at the ends, which makes the bo spin faster and look more impressive, but puts less strength and mass at the end where you really need it for actual striking!

As with bokken, we tried many different materials and studied properties of various woods before settling on hickory as the best compromise of strength, toughness (ability to take impact), resiliency, and price.  Stronger and harder woods are available (usually at a dramatically increased price), but as the hardness increases they quickly become brittle, and can shatter when really struck hard.  Hickory has a natural resiliency that allows it to take huge amounts of impact without breaking, and still be heavy and strong enough to dish out the punishment too!

These bos are 1 1/4" inches in diameter by 72" in length.  They are hand sanded to a 220 grit finish (too fine and the bo won't slide like it should) and hand-rubbed with five coats of a low-gloss tung oil.  Jos will be available in the future, or can be available with a minimum order.

Hickory Bo                                             $30.00 each