Ronin Katana

Heavy Duty Dotanuki Blades

"Ever buy a sword online, sit around for weeks waiting for it to show up, and have it turn out to be total junk? Same here. I got so tired of it, I designed my own sword line, hired a forge to smith them, and started Ronin Katana".

- Chris Scoggin, Ronin Katana.com

Ronin Katana have been in business since 2004, and have quietly spent the last 6 years commissioning the best Japanese sword making forges in China to create their own line of entry level 'heavy beater grade' Katana that they have successfully sold on ebay and their own website.

While not all that well known outside of ebay circles, in late 2008 Ronin Swords Chris Scoggin joined the SBG sword forum and quickly proved himself to be a very honest and transparent, no BS supplier who was happy to share his extensive experience and knowledge dealing with the various sword forges in mainland China (you can read also his blog here).

His swords were well received on the SBG Forums, with several very positive reviews and many of the 'fussier' members approving the direction he was taking with these swords, and they were hailed as well made, tough (Ronin Katana specializes in extremely durable, no nonsense 'Dotanuki' blades - i.e. heavy duty cutters) - and exceptionally good value WITHOUT taking any shortcuts.

In this review and evaluation of Ronin Katana, we will be taking a look at their original line of 1045 carbon steel 'Dojo ready' Katana - as well as an upgraded, limited edition 1060 carbon steel series of swords that are so good I just HAD to have them at the SBG Sword Store!

1045 Carbon Steel Dojo Line

The swords that Ronin got started with were their 'dojo' line; a range of 1045 mono tempered carbon steel 'Dotanuki' blades, one of which - the 'Okinawa model' (now discontinued, as they keep their line continually fresh), is pictured below.

While there is little doubt these swords are popular, I must admit that I found the choice of 1045 carbon steel a slightly unusual one..

Normally, I would not actually recommend 1045 for a 'beater' Katana. Indeed, almost every other sword maker uses harder, tougher 1060 carbon steel for their 'serious' heavy duty swords..

For example, Cold Steel's infamously tough Warrior series blades are made from 1060 carbon steel, as are the Dynasty Forge Musha line. And the Cheness 9260 blades, (which I have personally had the pleasure of attempting to destroy under a variety of conditions) - are essentially 1060 steel with a silicon alloying agent.

So why did they do it? Why Make a 'Beater' from 1045 carbon steel?

In theory, if a 1045 carbon steel blade is made in the thick Dotanuki style and tempered properly, it could ALMOST be as durable as a 1060 monster like the Cold Steel Warrior!

If this proved correct, then the advantage would be price - as 1045 carbon steel is easier to work with...

While in theory I may still have my doubts about using 1045 carbon steel for a beater, in practice, the durability of these swords is unquestionable and speaks for itself.

Not only did Ronin spend a lot of time destruction testing their swords (you can see some of the results of the tests here on his site), but heavy testing by SBG members such as Jason Woodard (you can read his full review on the forums here) assures me that these blades live up to their reputation as 'heavy duty cutters'.

VIDEO: Ronin Katana Testing One of Jason Woodards tests of the Dojo line Dotanuki Katana

To sum up about their choice of steel, my friend and senior member of the SBG community, Dan Dacombe, notes: "Though the blade is 1045 steel - a relatively softer grade - it is quite thick and well tempered. It flexed well and didn't make me feel like it was likely to bend or break - the lack of bo-hi added to its strength. It was paper-cutting sharp out of the box - according to the website, every sword is given a test cut before shipping. While it sounds like a marketing gimmick, I'd be inclined to believe it after seeing this sword. The blade is as good or better than others in this price range."

The general consensus is that the blade is very sharp, nicely tempered, HONEST and durable (if fairly plain to look at)..!

That said, the blades themselves are extremely 'honest' - when they first made them, they opted to do with what everyone else does with through hardened swords - put a fake hamon on them. But it just didn't feel right, and in the end they opted for the clean, honest look of the blade as it looks naturally..

Of course, every experienced Japanese sword enthusiast knows that the blade, while obviously critically important, is not of much use if there are problems with the fittings.. But it is actually the choice of the materials for the fittings that really does set Ronin Katana apart from most other entry level Katana makers...

SERIOUS Fittings (AT LAST!)

There is little doubt that the materials selected by Ronin Katana are a cut above what else is available in this price range (pardon the pun).

Taking a look at the tsuka, we find REAL silk ito over real rayskin wrapped TIGHTLY in the traditional ALTERNATING style (all of which are VERY RARE at this price point).

As you can see from the picture, they also have a very nicely waisted handle - unlike the blocky, shapeless things that are common to the sub US$300 market. But it gets even more impressive, because most of their Dojo line use a solid IRON tsuba and IRON Fuchi/Kashira where everyone else uses cheap alloy!!

Everything on these swords is well assembled and each sword given a good once over and quality checked before shipping.

Overall, it would seem that the combination of high quality (essentially ideal) materials used in each swords construction, a decent assembly method - plus a well tempered, thick and durable blade - all for well under $200 shipped - results in a VERY competitive product! (to say the least!)

So much so that it is actually pretty hard to fault these swords, and the only real area that I can identify is that these swords are perhaps lacking a little in finesse handling wise...

Balance and Handling

The fact that these swords are designed as dedicated dojo cutters mean that they will not appeal to everyone.

These swords are clearly not for people who like an agile and light weight Katana. It is made for those who like an 'optimized and ready to cut' blade, and are not so concerned with the practice of kata.

Whether or not you would like them just depends on your personal preference, but I think that as these swords are marketed as 'Brutal cutters' by the man himself, no-one would really expect them to be as lightweight as a ballerina..!!

Recent Developments - Taking it to the limit

Real silk ito and iron fittings are excellent on a sub $200 blade. But their most recent development, the DOJO PRO line takes it all to a whole new level..

They take the same thick and brutal Dotanuki blades that are almost equal to a 1060 carbon steel Katana, and then make it out of 1060 carbon steel - resulting in, well something SERIOUSLY durable and totally forgiving to even the most inexperienced cutter..

Then they spend more time creating a specialized diamond shaped kissaki, reinforced for MAXIMUM durability and thrusting power...

And then they add the true essentials that experts agree that a truly functional sword should have at the minumum - they use buffalo horn on the kojiri, kurigata and koiguchi of the saya..

They use the right type of brass seppa, upgrade the sageo, superior quality fitting habaki and just lift the OVERALL quality of their sword head and shoulders above the competition - all for around $100 extra!

The end result is that by spending more, you get a SERIOUSLY upgraded sword that ticks all the right boxes for martial arts cutting applications...

So its little surprise this line is called the 'Dojo Pro'..

Conclusion

With so many mono-tempered blades on the market these days, it is refreshing to find a company that is willing to keep their eye on FUNCTIONALITY and offer a solid product at a good price WITHOUT taking any nasty shortcuts..

Both lines are SOLID swords - serious cutters, through and through. But its not just the blades, it is the integrity of the fittings that combine to crete a truly all around good, honest blade. This is important, because a truly strong Katana is only as strong as its weakest point..

WHERE TO BUY

You can pick up a selection of the original 1045 carbon steel Dotanuki blades here at Ronin Swords.com for $175 each.

But to help spread the word about this line, we also stock a limited edition 'Musashi' style in 1045 for $164.99 SHIPPED FREE IN THE USA AND CANADA at the SBG sword Store PLUS we also offer the limited edition Dojo Pro line of 1060 carbon steel that you can pick up for $264.99 - also shipped free in Canada and the USA (normally $275 at Ronin).

Ronin Katana at the SBG Sword Store here

If you are a serious cutter try them out. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised..

Have Your Say

Maybe you have one of these swords and would like to offer your take on it. Maybe you just want to add your $0.02 to the mix? As long as it is on topic and polite, feel free to share it!

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I hope this overview of Ronin Katana has been helpful. To return to A Beginners Guide to Authentic Japanese Swords from Ronin Katana: Heavy Duty Dotanuki Blades, click here