Ronin Katana Dojo Pro Ko Katana S&D Review
Apr 10, 2016 2:41:46 GMT
Post by emunger on Apr 10, 2016 2:41:46 GMT
Introduction:
To begin with, I am not affiliated with Ronin Katana, and paid the full scratch and dent price on all 4 katanas I bought during the 2016 sale. I ordered my other dojo pro and bare blade immediately during the first day of the sale, and I ordered this dojo pro 3 weeks into the sale; so I was curious to see the difference in quality, given the assumption that the cream of the crop S&D models presumedly are given out first.
I was originally going to review an Elite O katana before this one, however I was already taking this one down, and the light wasn't good enough to do the elite justice. Today's lighting was also fitting for the mood of this katana, dark. If you want a murdered out ninja sword that is an absurdly nimble functional cutter - look no further.
Tsuka:
Similar to the other dojo pro that I received, the tsuka is extremely ergonomic. The shape has a nice figure to it, slightly curving with straight lines. My only shape complaint is the inner ridge line is a little too pronounced for the size of my hands. Overall, the tsuka fit is extremely tight, almost too much so, and the finish is good, but not excellent. The ito feels great, with much more geometric diamonds than my other dojo, however it could be a little bit tighter, the menuki are a little too loose. Other people have mentioned this, but it needs to be said again, the menuki are probably the least thought out part of the design and should have been blacked out like the mekugi and same. The same is clearly paneled, as there is one patch of wood visible, but neither excellent nor extremely poor quality.
Tsuba:
The tsuba on this katana is one of my favorites, and works with this piece. The tsuba is perfectly formed, with no sharp edges or imperfection, and I think the dimpling effect feels and looks great. The seppa, and the overall tsuba fit is excellent with nice tolerances.
Blade:
The blade is classic Ronin Katana, with thick geometry straight blades. The habaki fit is trued to center, and the blade is perfectly straight. There is very little sori on this blade, however the angle at which the tsuka makes with the blade is pronounced. The polish on the blade overall is pretty good, however on the kissaki polish on one side is extremely rough, and it is for this reason I think this katana was sold as a factory second. This is more of what I expected from a scratch and dent sale, and shows good QC because even though it doesn't impact functionality, I would not be pleased if I was expecting a brand new blade. The blade is sharp throughout the entire length, however overall is less sharp compared to my other dojo pro. Since the blade is just shy of 24", this blade is insanely quick both in the draw and changes of direction are lightning fast. Due to this novelty, this blade is definitely one of my favorite to handle, and would make probably an excellent indoor zombie destroyer. Also, you might be able to draw this ko katana from a back mounted position if you have long arms. Overall the blade is good enough to make an excellent beginner practice cutter, since it is rough enough that you don't feel bad using/breaking it.
Saya:
The saya for this katana is completely blacked out, as such is the theme. It is overall very well done, but not extremely interesting. The most important factor though is the habaki fit in the saya mouth, at which is does a great job. The fit is just slightly less tight than my other dojo pro, so the blade does rattle when vigorously shaken, however the blade will not fall out regardless the orientation or hold. Overall I would be completely pleased with this saya if I had paid full price.
Pros:
Tsuka
Tsuba
Overall Theme
Fit Tolerances
Cons:
Menuki
Kissaki Polish
Sageo
Overall Rating1: 7.75
Price Rating2: 10
1: Overall Rating would be if I were to take a random sampling of all price category katanas
2: Price Rating would be if I were to take a random sample of just katanas within an equivalent price range
To begin with, I am not affiliated with Ronin Katana, and paid the full scratch and dent price on all 4 katanas I bought during the 2016 sale. I ordered my other dojo pro and bare blade immediately during the first day of the sale, and I ordered this dojo pro 3 weeks into the sale; so I was curious to see the difference in quality, given the assumption that the cream of the crop S&D models presumedly are given out first.
I was originally going to review an Elite O katana before this one, however I was already taking this one down, and the light wasn't good enough to do the elite justice. Today's lighting was also fitting for the mood of this katana, dark. If you want a murdered out ninja sword that is an absurdly nimble functional cutter - look no further.
Tsuka:
Similar to the other dojo pro that I received, the tsuka is extremely ergonomic. The shape has a nice figure to it, slightly curving with straight lines. My only shape complaint is the inner ridge line is a little too pronounced for the size of my hands. Overall, the tsuka fit is extremely tight, almost too much so, and the finish is good, but not excellent. The ito feels great, with much more geometric diamonds than my other dojo, however it could be a little bit tighter, the menuki are a little too loose. Other people have mentioned this, but it needs to be said again, the menuki are probably the least thought out part of the design and should have been blacked out like the mekugi and same. The same is clearly paneled, as there is one patch of wood visible, but neither excellent nor extremely poor quality.
Tsuba:
The tsuba on this katana is one of my favorites, and works with this piece. The tsuba is perfectly formed, with no sharp edges or imperfection, and I think the dimpling effect feels and looks great. The seppa, and the overall tsuba fit is excellent with nice tolerances.
Blade:
The blade is classic Ronin Katana, with thick geometry straight blades. The habaki fit is trued to center, and the blade is perfectly straight. There is very little sori on this blade, however the angle at which the tsuka makes with the blade is pronounced. The polish on the blade overall is pretty good, however on the kissaki polish on one side is extremely rough, and it is for this reason I think this katana was sold as a factory second. This is more of what I expected from a scratch and dent sale, and shows good QC because even though it doesn't impact functionality, I would not be pleased if I was expecting a brand new blade. The blade is sharp throughout the entire length, however overall is less sharp compared to my other dojo pro. Since the blade is just shy of 24", this blade is insanely quick both in the draw and changes of direction are lightning fast. Due to this novelty, this blade is definitely one of my favorite to handle, and would make probably an excellent indoor zombie destroyer. Also, you might be able to draw this ko katana from a back mounted position if you have long arms. Overall the blade is good enough to make an excellent beginner practice cutter, since it is rough enough that you don't feel bad using/breaking it.
Saya:
The saya for this katana is completely blacked out, as such is the theme. It is overall very well done, but not extremely interesting. The most important factor though is the habaki fit in the saya mouth, at which is does a great job. The fit is just slightly less tight than my other dojo pro, so the blade does rattle when vigorously shaken, however the blade will not fall out regardless the orientation or hold. Overall I would be completely pleased with this saya if I had paid full price.
Pros:
Tsuka
Tsuba
Overall Theme
Fit Tolerances
Cons:
Menuki
Kissaki Polish
Sageo
Overall Rating1: 7.75
Price Rating2: 10
1: Overall Rating would be if I were to take a random sampling of all price category katanas
2: Price Rating would be if I were to take a random sample of just katanas within an equivalent price range