Men
This is the helmet used in Kendo. It is made of thick
stitched cotton and padding, with a gane (face grill) made from
Duralumin alloy or on better quality examples, Titanium, a throat
guard called a Tsuki, and shoulder guards. Worn on top of the
head cloth (Tenugui), it is open at the rear and tied in place
with long himo cords secured to bars in the face guard and tied
in a bow at the base of the rear of the head. This is the most
important piece of Kendo armour or "Bogou" for obvious reasons,
and should be made to measure if possible.
The toughness of the men depends on the stitching. Very expensive
handmade men have 1.5mm to 3mm stitching - ie. the distance
between each row of stitches. Less expensive machine stitched men
will have 4 to 6mm stitching. Prices vary greatly, but naturally
this is the most expensive item of Kendo armour.
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