This 42" long bokken has been carved from a solid piece of African zebrawood, sealed with shellac that will not change color over time. Hard abuse is likely to produce dents or chips to the finish, but the wood is dense and can be put through the paces for years with proper care as a solo training tool. Please be advised: our bokken are somewhat wider and thicker than most commercial models produced in Asian factories. They fit larger North American and European hands well and have a stouter feel to them.