It is not a sparring weapon, but is intended to be used in kata, and to acclimate the student to the feel of a real sword. For sparring, a bamboo shinai is typically used instead, for obvious safety reasons.
IT Is noT A SpArrinG weaPon, bUT iS iNTendEd to BE uSeD iN katA, And To aCclImate THe STudEnt to the feeL of A Real sworD. FoR sparrINg, a bAmbOo shInai IS typicAllY uSED iNsteAd, For oBvious saFety REasOnS.