FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about TAK Training Knives
What is a TAK Knife made out of?
The standard material is Polycarbonate. Commonly known as "Bullet Proof" glass (because it is clear in its most common usage), it is impact and shatter resistant. The material is very tough and on occasion we strike it with a 5 pound sledge hammer during demonstrations to prove its durability.
Do you have an exact match for my knife?
It's possible our standard blades may match yours. Our styles of training knives are normally close to several models on the market. We may take 3 or 4 popular blades from different manufacturers and blend them into one product. There are literally thousands of knife styles on the market; many manufacturers have shapes which are almost identical to other manufacturers. If our standard blades do not match yours, our Custom Shop can manufacture a close replica.
If I send you a drawing of a knife or short sword I own, will you make a custom for me?
Do I have to wait for you to make the TAK knives that I ordered?
We try to keep all standard knives in stock, ready to ship. However, this is not always possible. At times we will run out of a certain model unexpectedly. When this happens, we start to make replacements. Our new policy, effective Oct. 28, 2007, will be to send you an E mail notice if your order shipment will be delayed more than 7 days. We do not hold orders for backordered items nor charge additional shipping for backordered items.
Custom Shop knives have a lead time which is quoted after we receive your sketch.
A lot of the photos do not show the Wrist Lanyard. Which models come with it?
As of 2007, we have stopped supplying the Lanyard packaged with each knife. Most people have several of our trainers and only need 1 Lanyard. We did reduce the price of the Lanyard to help compensate.
Questions about TAK Escrima (Kali) Sticks
How much does a stick weigh and what is the diameter?
A 28" stick weighs 10 ounces. All of our sticks are 1" in diameter. They have a .5" open core that gets the weight very close to rattan.
You mentioned hitting telephone poles with the TAK Sticks. If I do this with my wooden or carbon fiber sticks, it will ruin them. Can TAK Sticks survive this kind of punishment?
YES! That was the whole reason behind their development. We were tired of seeing everyone tape or buy new sticks every few months. I've watched people train so hard against objects with TAK Sticks that they lost their breath. The sticks only suffer minor scuffing or nicks- no big deal. You will wear out before the TAK Stick does!
I'm a traditionalist and prefer to use wooden sticks. Do you have any?
There are some woods which last a lot longer than Rattan, Bamboo, or Wax Wood. They are very expensive and will still need to be replaced or wrapped with tape. We prefer to use modern materials so that we have true engineered sticks that last forever. The only time you'll ever tape our sticks are for decoration or rank.
Are the Lanyards removable on the TAK Sticks?
You can permanently remove them if you like. There is no reason for a quick release like on the knives. When you're not using the Lanyard, just pull all the cords so they are halfway and equal in length; now they will not move around during training.
Why are there multiple lengths of TAK Sticks?
Kali, Escirma. or Arnis sticks traditionally come in 26 and 28 inch lengths. Really big or long armed persons may want to use 29 or 30 inch sticks. The longer the stick, the longer your striking range, however, your strike will be slightly slower due to the extra mass at the end of the stick.
One of my sticks has a slight bend to it. Is it defective?
No. The TAK Sticks are made from a cross chained polymer and sometimes will bend ever so slightly after tough training. This means nothing- it does not fatigue the material. For demonstration purposes, we will have persons strike the sticks as long and as intense as they like against a telephone pole; when they're finished, the stick may have a very slight bend to it. Just grab both ends and press in the opposite direction- it's straight! The cross chained polymer material does not deform and does not break down.
Any special precautions with the TAK Sticks?
Keep them out of hot car trunks or at least let them cool down before using. The heat will not damage them but it could make them flexible to the point where they might get a slight curve to them. If so, just bend it in the other direction once cool.
Questions about TAK Dealers
My Martial Arts studio owner doesn't seem interested in ordering for me. Can I buy TAK products at dealer cost and resell them?
Yes! It took us a while but now the same discount structure is available to everyone- small groups and large studios alike. You do not have to operate a business to receive the discount.
I run a small school. Can I be a TAK Knife dealer?
Yes! We will provide quantity discounts, just contact us directly for more information. In most cases, an order of 10 trainers or Bodyguard Sticks (mixed OK) will receive a 20% discount. We want to help you be successful!
I would like an "Open Dealer Account". How do I set one up?
Open accounts take a lot of maintenance and would drive costs up, therefore, we do not offer them. We suggest you use your credit card for purchases. I know this may be an inconvenience but we try to keep TAK Knives affordable.
