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Post by Matthew.Jensen on Nov 20, 2013 16:22:32 GMT
A while back I got a chance to do some destructive testing on the Ronin Katana RK series. I made a video and loaded in onto YouTube. I would like to share it with all of you and request some feedback. What should I have done differently? Different tests? Different cutting angles? Different camera angels? Faster? Slower? Less? More? Anything else you can think of? Please keep in mind that the intention of the video is not a sales pitch, or a review. I am just trying to test the blade and let the viewer make the call.
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Post by johnwalter on Nov 20, 2013 17:29:33 GMT
Id say pretty well done,and thanks Matthew! Gyaku kesa puts alot of stress on the edge,that would be a good test cut for future reference. Nice job.
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Post by William Swiger on Nov 20, 2013 18:48:28 GMT
Some tough blades.
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Post by adamthedrummer on Nov 20, 2013 20:54:40 GMT
Sick of bending...lets hit rebar lol. I am impressed. Not bad performance for such a low price, might snag one of these up someday.
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Post by FHideg on Nov 20, 2013 22:33:37 GMT
Great video! Looks like you had a lot of fun. Thanks
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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Nov 21, 2013 5:01:43 GMT
I'm very impressed. I'm actually bit shocked how well the swords did. I'm really impressed how well it took the 2x2's and the thick newspaper roll with wooden core, those are some difficult targets. Kinda mind blowing to see 99$ sword perform this well. Thanks for destroying couple swords for us.
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Post by Alex.Moranz on Nov 21, 2013 5:24:08 GMT
Those last two comments at the end of the video are pure gold. :lol: I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and I'd say you did a damn fine job using a lot of different mediums. I think a cinder block or a brick would have been cool too, I feel like those things get smacked on accident more than we like to admit sometimes. Thanks again for the great video, I have been thinking of trying this with a H/T at some point.
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Post by Alex.Moranz on Nov 23, 2013 7:13:47 GMT
Oh and re watched this and I totally agree with peeing in a coffee can. I mean only animals pee on the ground right?
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Post by Larry Jordan on Nov 23, 2013 14:44:02 GMT
I had to overcome my revulsion at seeing blades damaged and forced myself to watch. Glad I did.
The 1045 blades performed surprisingly well. For most backyard cutting that guarantees soft targets (jugs, bottles, noodles, mats, light wood doweling, 2x2s!) blades made from 1045 thru hardened steel from an expert forge should satisfy. Screw heads, cans, and other metal will be tough on all blades.
The only recommendation I have is: wear PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR. A wood splinter or metal frag in the eye is not something to be taken lightly.
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Post by Matthew.Jensen on Nov 23, 2013 19:10:22 GMT
That's a solid idea. I stuck with kesa (or an attempt at one) because it was the most common in other destructive tests and videos. Subsequently my bad angles probably put more stress on the blade, so my poor swordsmanship may not have been bad given the objective of the test. That said, it feels a little incomplete without cutting at a few different angles.
I did not expect the blade to perform that well either. I tried to let the sword do the work on the cuts but I see from the video that I am putting what looks like a lot of effort into it. Still, I expected the blades to deform or roll. It really was easier than I made it look. The damage after hitting the 2x2's was the most unexpected. I did not hold back on those things. I thought that would likely be the final test.... lol wrong!
That is a good suggestion. I will likely use some concrete or brick next time I do a video.
I have heard a lot of folks say it is painful to watch a katana be destroyed. I am sorry it is hard to watch. The flip side is that this is a production blade intended to be used like any other tool. Given that there are may of them being made with the intention of use, its important for users to know how far they can push them. It can be hard to watch but it is not as though I am breaking a piece of history.
Also, the eye should have happened when I was doing the re-bar for sure. I put my hand up on a few of the hard swings but it is a valid concern.
Thanks for the kind words and tips. I had a lot of fun doing the video. I am glad so many folks have enjoyed it.
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Post by Deepbluedave on Nov 24, 2013 0:44:31 GMT
Well done Matthew, really enjoyed watching these tests, the video editing was very well done, as was the choice of music. Some extreme examples of cutting household items, but I think the blades did very well after all that abuse they did not break. Once again well done, but please wear safety glasses next time.
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Post by Bushido on Jan 2, 2014 13:13:31 GMT
Wow, that's impressive! Seems to me the RK series are hell of a good value for money! Thanks very much for the review, I really enjoyed that! On a sidenote though, and said in all well meaning: Thought I saw some sparks come off that rebar so that (and of course the general risk of edge chips flying off the blade) made me thinking, maybe next time wear some safety glasses Eyesight is precious and even harder to replace compared to limbs
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Post by patrick kelly on Jan 2, 2014 23:36:57 GMT
Thanks you for taking the time to do this kind of review.
I'll be a safety Nazi and second the need for protective eye wear, or even a plastic face shield. I was cringing when you started bending the blade back and forth without any kind of eye protection. Lots of potential for bad ju-ju there.
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Post by Matthew.Jensen on Jan 3, 2014 14:26:37 GMT
I appreciate all the kind words. I also appreciate those of you out there who reached out to me personally with suggestions for both the video and my technique. It sounds like I might get the chance to do another one in the future. I am guessing it will be a while because it is -20 outside my house most of the time. Still, I am looking forward to giving it another go. Also, look forward to some kind of eye protection.
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Post by Prabibushido on Jan 20, 2014 6:05:15 GMT
i recently got one of these , thanks to your vid. No bullsemprini, the sword is ok far, will test further.
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Post by Bluntsword on Jan 20, 2014 8:55:30 GMT
Thanks for the destruction test. Great video editing as well. If there is a next time, can you maybe: - slow-mo & extreme close up, when cutting against steel (any). Angle: 90degrees to the cut (so we see the side of the blade at impact) :geek: - slow-mo & close, when cutting against steel (any), Angle: parallel along the entire mune of the blade (so we can see flexing (blade wobble entire length) of the blade at and after impact)) :geek: - slow-mo sword on sword (I don't expect anyone to do this unless you're a manufacturer). Angle: close up of impact site. - safety goggles at all times
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