Men: Customize

Men-gane Order options Ago Designs Kozakura Accent Threads Naname-zashi (Diagonal Stitching) Fukuro-zashi Eyeglasses   Men-Gane Men-gane: The metal-grill protecting the face There are essentially four types of men-gane, the metal-grill that protects the face: Duraluminum; the Standard All-Titanium; the IBB All-Titanium; and the Hasegawa company’s “Mujun Men.” As well as the differences in materials and construction, men-gane are also made in various sizes. Children and small adult men-gane are available with 12 or 13 horizontal bars; standard adult men-gane employ 14 horizontal bars; another special long & wide 14 bar variation is also available for larger kenshi; and for those with long measurement (top-back of head to point of chin) of 73 centimeters or longer, a special 15 bar men-gane is available. At first glance we can see that there are only a limited number of men-gane sizes to fit the broad range of people. The difference in fit, and positioning of the “monomi” the wide slot which one looks through, are determined at the time of construction, and are dependant on the skill and expertise of the craftsperson who constructs the men. For this reason experienced kenshi take advantage of having their men custom-made. Duraluminum: Made of an Aluminum-alloy, this it the lightest and least expensive of the all-metal options. It is recommended for children and lighter kenshi, or for those who engage only occasional practice. The lighter weight makes it comfortable to wear; however, a heavy schedule of practice exposing the men to lots of collisions, and long exposure to sweat may eventually weaken the attachment points of the horizontal bars. In such cases, titanium men-gane are recommended. Standard All-Titanium: Titanium is a lightweight metal with strength comparable to steel, making it an ideal material for the men-gane. This men-gane is recommended for adults engaging in regular practice, or any person performing at the national team level. IBB All-Titanium: An all titanium construction in which the base-ring, center vertical spine, and horizontal bars are all thicker than the Standard All-Titanium men-gane. The greater thicknesses of the materials, and in particular, the greater cross-sectional area at the points where the parts are welded together, make this the strongest men-gane available. 100 gms heavier than the Standard model, we highly recommend this men for average and large adults, and any person performing at the national team level. Being heavier, smaller or thinner persons may find the Standard model more comfortable to wear. The Hasegawa Mujun Men: This face-protection system is not only limited to the men-gane, but it is a proprietary men system developed by the Hasegawa company, and integrates the face-protection with a unique men design. Most notable to this system is the clear polycarbonate face-shield that replaces the middle horizontal bars of a conventional men-gane. This men system has the advantage of providing full protection against objects entering directly in the protected space and striking the face or eyes. This men system is only available in the Hasegawa men, and is not available as an option for incorporation into any conventional men.   Order Options Ago Designs Kozakura Accent Threads Ago Designs Chiba Bogu.com offers a wide variety of ago designs to choose from. If you would like to consult our customer service representatives, we can work with you you create a truly unique design, specific to your unique needs. Below are "standard" designs that we offer at a fixed price. Colors shown here are representative; however, you may specify for custom thread colors in the comments section of the ordering summary at the end of the order process. Please allow for extra time and extra costs for orders made to specific instructions.   Pinpoint Stitch Wave & Bird Flax Leaf Pinpoint Stitch A Bordered Cross Mark (Shown in Olive & Gold Tea) Cross Mark Tiered Combination (Shown with Diamond Flower Pattern) Diamond Flower       Family Seal with Pinpoint Stitch (Contact Customer Service)         Kozakura   Accent Thread Right down to the smallest detail, Chiba Bogu.com helps you to create a bogu that is truly unique, truly yours. The Accent Thread appears on the men, tare and kote either entwined in decorative braids, or simply as functional parts of the armor. The Accent Thread color can be selected from our extensive list.   Naname-zashi (Diagonal Stitching) Naname-zashi, or diagonal stitching, is a stitching technique for men-tare (the flaps). Diagonal stitching on the men-tare runs parallel to the cylindrical curl that men-flaps make at their ends, above the shoulders. It is a direct feature taken from traditional te-zashi or hand-made bogu. The men-tare ‘roll-up-and-down' with the movements of the shoulders naturally according to their shape, and the appearance is very nice.   Fukuro-zashi Men-Tare Edge Finish: Fukuro-Zashi The custom sized Mine fukuro-zashi men-buton (left), and a stock futon cut to size, and finished with trim to cover edge (right). "Fukuro-zashi" translating to 'sewn like a bag' means that the size of the men-buton, the protective cushion, is decided from the beginning of the construction process. The length and width are carefully decided, the materials cut, and the ends folded inward and sewn closed like the end of a bag, for a finished edge with no heri-kawa, or edge-trim. This is a more difficult and sophisticated approach to the construction of men-buton, usually found only in more expensive tezashi, or hand-stitched armor. A more common design, found in simpler products, employs trimming an existing stock size down to the desired length and width, and finishing the raw cut edges with an edge-beading. Along with this, some decorative trim is often added to give the appearance of a more elaborate design. All of our Mine men-buton are finished in the fukuro-zashi fashion. It requires individual sizing for every men we make. We hope you will agree, these small features, in addition to superior fit, comfort, and protection, add up to make the decisive differnece. This is the custom advantage.   Eyeglasses Special Custom Treatment for Wearing Eye Glasses in Men For those of you who wish to wear your daily-use glasses inside your men there is a special treatment we can perform at the time we are building your men for you: In this treatment, the uchiwa, the cloth ring on the inside of the men that contacts your face, is sewn very tightly with many lines of stitch around the level that the stems of the glasses, the parts that reach back to your ears, pass by. This compresses the uchiwa and creates an open channel for the stems. This additional clearance prevents pressure against the stems and your face, making wearing the men much more comfortable, and will prevent the stems of appropriately sized glasses from being bent or broken. Note: All glass frames differ. This eyeglass treatment to the uchiwa cannot accomodate every possible style of eyeglass frame; however, narrow glasses that do not have protruding corners can be worn in most cases. Many kenshi prepare a special set of glasses for wear within the men. Note 2: The eyeglasses option is only available on Mine men, hand stitched men and Naginata men. At this time, we offer this at no-charge as a service to truly customize your men according to your needs.