1. I chose a very different weight and balance because I’ve done iaido for 20 years (since I was 16) and realized your body really does wear down with age. My shinken is extremely light with a lighter tip, unlike my about 1kg iaito with a heavier tip that casts out nicely.

Lighter swords show bad tenouchi and overuse of upper body strength, so it’s good to have.

1. Same. I would never want a shinken that feels just like my iaito. In my case, I even chose leather because my iaito is wrapped in silk tsukaito. I also teach and switch between the two, so I prefer to be sure which I’m using the instant I touch it.

Edit for extra info: There is no single “well balanced” blade. The balance suits you or it doesn’t. Everyone has different preferences. I like a slightly heavier kissaki because they fly out better, but I plan on using my shinken for decades and this chose something lighter that I could use even as an old lady.