You prolly dont care but if you are bored like me atm you can watch pretty much all the latest series on instaflixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend these days :)
I’m very surprised at this video. For a $130 sword, entry level at that. Wow. Now this makes me wonder how Ronin’s dojo pro $295 katana hold up. Great video Matt
Found your videos recently while watching some historical videos on forging and maintaining blades. Very interesting and in depth info! I've been an enthusiast for most of my life and have been hoping to buy my first entry-level cutter to practice with, so coming across your channel was perfect timing. Very helpful!
Sword friend Matthew Jensen, after purchasing one of these I can say that I am 99% satisfied with my first sword purchase! Amazing value for the price I paid. Food for thought, possibly the reason you didn't get any saya rub is do to the blade being in a plastic sleeve when shipped and also maybe the reason you are not getting any rattle is due to the plastic sleeve now being bunched up down in the bottom of the saya (this is what happened to me anyway, at least I think that is a plastic bag that I can see down there with a flashlight). Presumably when I pulled the sword the first time the plastic bag stayed inside... Love the sword, thank you for your videos! I'm going to attempt to snag the plastic with a coat hanger and see if I can't pull it out.
impressive how it took damage and still cut the brink and kept on cutting. not bad for 1045 steel. this is one of your best review and destruction tests, impressive usability on this sword.
@@Matthew_Jensen I had completely forgotten. But I watched it again & saw your comment. my notifications are off. Think it's your enthusiasm and doing the dangerous testing for our entertainment & education. Showed me 1045 is pretty adequate. I got a T10 Siwode from amazon however legitimate they are, with help from your advice tbh. Never see any reviews about them except from channel "gargoyle blade" . take care
Unbelievable punishment once again you have shown a 1045 cheap RK series can take before failing, spend 5 times the price on most swords and they will probably break well before the RK, I have a couple they are fantastic, bend easy yea but stick them in a vice straighten them and you are back in the battle 👍😁
Matthew thank you so much for doing these tests! I have a ronin elite laminated katana that bent after only a couple of cuts on tatami. The friend I lent it too is not a novice (though we all make bad cuts from time to time) needless to say I was pretty surprised it bent so quickly. I have been fairly apprehensive about purchasing another one but after seeing this perhaps I will get one more to try again.
I have tested an elite but not to distraction. They are decent swords but I don't know how well they will hold up to bad cuts. The lamination technique is pretty tricky on those blades and it would not surprise me if less expensive blades were more resilient.
@@Matthew_Jensen, yeah I need to take it to Nihonzashi (not far from where I live) they have the shims to bend it back better than I did. In fairness, the sword also has a bo-hi and I suspect that might also play into its weakness. I agree I suspect mono steel will do much better.
I received my Rk series and overall very happy. there was some issues with the rayskin not being fully seated under the fuchi but my main concern is the saya is so soft that I can indent it with my fingernail with ease. I haven't even taken it outside and there are already several dings. Is this normal as I don't know what wood this is made from?. I have built, repaired, and refinished guitars for years and have only seen this when dealing with super soft hardwoods like poplar and alder. thanks in advance!
If I want an art piece, it'll be dif hardened with a hamon. If I want to be able to slice things with it it'd be a modern steel blade be it's better, not by much but considering how expensive the old way is its a reasonable step up for less money. I do love the aesthetic of the hamon so I don't mind artificial ones on modern steel as long as you aren't acting like it's this beautiful piece of art made in the edo period or something
This sword makes me think a lot about the Katana that I commissioned "Swords of Northshire" to build for me late last year. The hamon is also just barely there, but there are no ripples, and the sword is sharp. It also draws quick, and it is a fast and light blade - good for practicing iado as long as you're careful. The only thing that gripes me is that the sword in this review was quite a bit cheaper than the custom sword I had made for me. However, I wanted a custom sword, and that is what I ended up paying for, so I shouldn't complain... Anyway, I digress. Good review Matthew - thumbs up!
Matt do you think for the cost, the Dojo pro is a better refined and built sword for the cost over the RK series, I know you had your "big sausage hands"on it as well
Weirdly enough, I have two swords that look 85% similar to what you reviewed except they were by a different company called Ten Ryu. The only differences were the tsuba and samegawa. My blade had a wire brush hamon and no differential temper, but it was worth the deal at $16/piece compared to the $130 one you reviewed here.
I would love to see you damage a sword to the point of about 35:30 and then cut a mat. I'm curious as to how it would work still, as I'm sure people were forced to use damaged weapons in combat.
It would not make it through the mat, at least that is my guess. It would still probably cut or tear deep enough but in a battle, I am guessing wide chops would not be the main function. It would still be good enough to get the tip between a plate or cut at an exposed area.
I bought this same model for my son in law who wanted something to hang on his wall. I think it's quite attractive and, yes, it's fully functional. It made me sad to see you wreck it.
for that price is nice, i seen wall hangers for a bit less but just spending a few extra for a decent quality. too bad i cant even try my country needs like a permit that is around the 250 usd besides taxes and import fees.
Hello, I bought one of these katanas from ronin katana based on this video and was wondering if I could cut a full water bottle with the #13 katana without any sharpening. Also if I were to cut stuff like water bottles milk cartons and fruits with it can I just use a normal paper towel to immediately clean it off or is that wrong to do? Thank you for your help
What are you comparing these with how are you financing to abuse and destroy these katana. ,? What is the best katana out side Japan worth its money ? What do you think of the sea wave dragon king. Do you know anyone who has a golden orial a can buy in the uk? Had to leave mine back in Borneo
I'm new to sword collecting, having recently purchased my first ~ a Ronin Dojo Pro #17. I'm curious as to whether the bend that this RK started to pick up around 29:00 would have been likely with a blade forged from spring steel? I'm interested in adding a 5160 or 9260 blade to my collection and from my reading & research initial conclusion is that a spring steel blade would be the most resistant to abuse?
I think it is less about string steel and more about the hardening method. The dojo pro and may other blades are through hardened rather than differentially hardened. That tends to make a blade more resilient to shock type stress. The dojo pro you mentioned uses a through hardened method. The RK is differentially hardened.
The sad thing is that custom assembled swords like those from Northshire have trouble with the fittings but have great blade options, whereas items like the Ronin Katana Dojo Pro swords have great, durable fittings but are more unwieldy and "only" available in 1060 steel. For less than a thousand dollars I wish it were possible to just get a decently durable and sharp sword that wasn't only super heavyweight with the option for some plain wooden slab grips - none of the silly tactical or zombie branding, just plain even non-traditional fittings that won't come loose or break or are cheap but attempt to look like the real thing (plastic same, nylon ito, etc.).
That's weird. This is not at all the tsuba or blade that they used to show on KoA, SBG, or the RK site. The RK Dojo Pro 13 used to have a basic black circular tsuba and no bo-hi. Wonder when that got changed. I really liked the original version.
So as you were saying, and I know they have purpose built iaito from other manufacturers, would there be any significant drawbacks for having the edge dulled a bit and using as an iaito? Especially if you had a very similar (sharp) dojo pro and wanted something really close
It will work for as an iaito if you dull the blade. It would not be a bad one for the money. Cheap stuff from Minosoka tends to work for iaido better because there is a focus on some small details that can aid in practice but they usually start at $300
@@Matthew_Jensen Thanks man, I really appreciate the response and especially on a more seasoned video. It seemed plausible but I wasn't 100% as I'm new to this.
Hi Matthew, I discovered your channel recently since I'm looking for a beginner sword (katana talking). I do not practice any martial art though, and it would be only a piece of furniture (a well made) to play with sometime, no tatami cutting. I have watched some of your videos and I wanted to hear your opinion: what should I buy? This sword? Or the custom one from Sword of the Northshire? (any other suggestion will be appreciated). P.S.: I'm Italian, so I hope they pack to Italy too.
I am not sure what offerings are around in the area. I think this sword offers a lot for the money. If it is a decoration with minimal usage, most swords will suit your needs. Buy one you like the look of. Ronin, Swords of Northshire, Jkoo, and others all seem to do a pretty decent job.
Hello! Realy i enjoy your videos. Sorry for my bad inglish. Coudl you be so kind to do a review and test for Tsunami Dragon katanas? Y have an oportunity to own one, but i'm not so sure. Whats is the diference in betwin sae1045 or 1095 and L6 or T10 from tsunami dragon. I want a very funcional katana. Not the best, but the minimum of cuolity to cut tameshigri. Thans again and sorry if you dont understand my inglish!
My 3 day’s new Hanwei practical xl katana has a slight clic/creak when I perform a cut at times. Does that seem acceptable for a Hanwei or no. Should I get another model around that price point?
Thanks man, I appreciate the advice. One last question though, lol. As far as durability, longevity, and overall katana quality is concerned, out of these 3 choices, do you recommend I get a Hanwei tori elite, Hanwei preying mantis, or a Hanwei bamboo mat katana for a next katana?
I do it when vendors send a sample, there have been a few others than Ronan but they have been the most generous. Happy to do it with an albion if they send me one. Also, likely very similar results.. Though I think a $130 sword has more to prove than a $1000 sword..
I know it’s Traditional to call the parts of the sword by the Japanese words but most of them can be translated just like the rest of the English words you’re using.
Seeing as I am on the clock, I think I'll watch the long version. Lol.
As far as shitodome go, if they cant be done right, it's better to not do them at all...
Lol remind me to hire you! :)
You prolly dont care but if you are bored like me atm you can watch pretty much all the latest series on instaflixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend these days :)
@Jeremias Cristian definitely, have been using instaflixxer for since december myself :)
I still remember laughing my ass off watching the first RK series review you did when you were bending it back and forth to the Benny Hill soundtrack
I’m very surprised at this video. For a $130 sword, entry level at that. Wow. Now this makes me wonder how Ronin’s dojo pro $295 katana hold up. Great video Matt
Found your videos recently while watching some historical videos on forging and maintaining blades. Very interesting and in depth info! I've been an enthusiast for most of my life and have been hoping to buy my first entry-level cutter to practice with, so coming across your channel was perfect timing. Very helpful!
Sword friend Matthew Jensen, after purchasing one of these I can say that I am 99% satisfied with my first sword purchase! Amazing value for the price I paid. Food for thought, possibly the reason you didn't get any saya rub is do to the blade being in a plastic sleeve when shipped and also maybe the reason you are not getting any rattle is due to the plastic sleeve now being bunched up down in the bottom of the saya (this is what happened to me anyway, at least I think that is a plastic bag that I can see down there with a flashlight). Presumably when I pulled the sword the first time the plastic bag stayed inside... Love the sword, thank you for your videos! I'm going to attempt to snag the plastic with a coat hanger and see if I can't pull it out.
Love the camera setup for the cutting! Two cameras really add to the enjoyment of watching the cuts.
Glad you like it.
Thanks so much for your review. My Dojo pro, and Dragon King Autumn leaf were purchased because of your favorable reviews and I couldn't be happier!
Thank you. This was thorough, detailed and well rounded. As I consider my first "real" sword purchase your reviews are really helpful.
Glad they help!
What an excellent in depth review! Much value here sir. Thank you.
Definitely my to-go place for honest and comprehensive reviews on katanas. Great job as always!
love your reviews brother. been watching for a long time 👌
I appreciate that!
When you see Anathar you know the blade you're holding is done for.
Anathar is so much power.
Anathar is so much durable.
Anathar is so much... Anathar?
So much Anathar....
Your my fav sword dude. So much experience of general handling. Thank you.
impressive how it took damage and still cut the brink and kept on cutting. not bad for 1045 steel. this is one of your best review and destruction tests, impressive usability on this sword.
Ur cuts are looking alot cleaner! Congrats
FAVORITE KATANA VID.
out of curiosity, what makes it your favorite?
@@Matthew_Jensen I had completely forgotten. But I watched it again & saw your comment. my notifications are off. Think it's your enthusiasm and doing the dangerous testing for our entertainment & education. Showed me 1045 is pretty adequate. I got a T10 Siwode from amazon however legitimate they are, with help from your advice tbh. Never see any reviews about them except from channel "gargoyle blade"
. take care
I really like your reviews. They’re both informative and funny. Thank you
Glad you like them!
That was awesome when you hit the shaving cream can :)
Unbelievable punishment once again you have shown a 1045 cheap RK series can take before failing, spend 5 times the price on most swords and they will probably break well before the RK, I have a couple they are fantastic, bend easy yea but stick them in a vice straighten them and you are back in the battle 👍😁
That's a lot of speed on that horizontal cut.. jez
Wow. This katana survived 44 whacks to a
other sword before it failed. Not bad for 130 $ sword.
Matthew thank you so much for doing these tests! I have a ronin elite laminated katana that bent after only a couple of cuts on tatami. The friend I lent it too is not a novice (though we all make bad cuts from time to time) needless to say I was pretty surprised it bent so quickly. I have been fairly apprehensive about purchasing another one but after seeing this perhaps I will get one more to try again.
I love the shaving cream in the face :)
I have tested an elite but not to distraction. They are decent swords but I don't know how well they will hold up to bad cuts. The lamination technique is pretty tricky on those blades and it would not surprise me if less expensive blades were more resilient.
@@Matthew_Jensen, yeah I need to take it to Nihonzashi (not far from where I live) they have the shims to bend it back better than I did. In fairness, the sword also has a bo-hi and I suspect that might also play into its weakness. I agree I suspect mono steel will do much better.
The way you talk I thought I had the video on 1.5 speed. Nice review.
you can really hear the full tang absorb the impact, no wobbly sounds.
Not bad for 1045 steel. Good video. Good review.
Ah, yes. The traditional laptop cut! Konpyuutagiri, as it were :D
🤣🤣🤣
I received my Rk series and overall very happy. there was some issues with the rayskin not being fully seated under the fuchi but my main concern is the saya is so soft that I can indent it with my fingernail with ease. I haven't even taken it outside and there are already several dings. Is this normal as I don't know what wood this is made from?. I have built, repaired, and refinished guitars for years and have only seen this when dealing with super soft hardwoods like poplar and alder. thanks in advance!
If I want an art piece, it'll be dif hardened with a hamon. If I want to be able to slice things with it it'd be a modern steel blade be it's better, not by much but considering how expensive the old way is its a reasonable step up for less money. I do love the aesthetic of the hamon so I don't mind artificial ones on modern steel as long as you aren't acting like it's this beautiful piece of art made in the edo period or something
28:34 LOL, I think I just find out the whole new purpose for my sword
This sword makes me think a lot about the Katana that I commissioned "Swords of Northshire" to build for me late last year. The hamon is also just barely there, but there are no ripples, and the sword is sharp. It also draws quick, and it is a fast and light blade - good for practicing iado as long as you're careful. The only thing that gripes me is that the sword in this review was quite a bit cheaper than the custom sword I had made for me. However, I wanted a custom sword, and that is what I ended up paying for, so I shouldn't complain... Anyway, I digress. Good review Matthew - thumbs up!
Matt do you think for the cost, the Dojo pro is a better refined and built sword for the cost over the RK series, I know you had your "big sausage hands"on it as well
Try the musashi brand, or Kawashima Steel Brand
1045 steel is fine if tempered properly and the fittings are good.
this does the job well enough for the price.
Weirdly enough, I have two swords that look 85% similar to what you reviewed except they were by a different company called Ten Ryu. The only differences were the tsuba and samegawa. My blade had a wire brush hamon and no differential temper, but it was worth the deal at $16/piece compared to the $130 one you reviewed here.
I would love to see you damage a sword to the point of about 35:30 and then cut a mat. I'm curious as to how it would work still, as I'm sure people were forced to use damaged weapons in combat.
It would not make it through the mat, at least that is my guess. It would still probably cut or tear deep enough but in a battle, I am guessing wide chops would not be the main function. It would still be good enough to get the tip between a plate or cut at an exposed area.
Where do you buy your tatami mats?
I bought this same model for my son in law who wanted something to hang on his wall. I think it's quite attractive and, yes, it's fully functional. It made me sad to see you wreck it.
for that price is nice, i seen wall hangers for a bit less but just spending a few extra for a decent quality. too bad i cant even try my country needs like a permit that is around the 250 usd besides taxes and import fees.
Hello, I bought one of these katanas from ronin katana based on this video and was wondering if I could cut a full water bottle with the #13 katana without any sharpening. Also if I were to cut stuff like water bottles milk cartons and fruits with it can I just use a normal paper towel to immediately clean it off or is that wrong to do? Thank you for your help
31:02 if anyone else is here to see the money shot.
What are you comparing these with how are you financing to abuse and destroy these katana. ,? What is the best katana out side Japan worth its money ? What do you think of the sea wave dragon king. Do you know anyone who has a golden orial a can buy in the uk? Had to leave mine back in Borneo
who do you think would be a good katana maker to order a good price katana from
He swung it like a golf club...nice!
are ronin swords full tang?
I'm new to sword collecting, having recently purchased my first ~ a Ronin Dojo Pro #17. I'm curious as to whether the bend that this RK started to pick up around 29:00 would have been likely with a blade forged from spring steel? I'm interested in adding a 5160 or 9260 blade to my collection and from my reading & research initial conclusion is that a spring steel blade would be the most resistant to abuse?
I think it is less about string steel and more about the hardening method. The dojo pro and may other blades are through hardened rather than differentially hardened. That tends to make a blade more resilient to shock type stress. The dojo pro you mentioned uses a through hardened method. The RK is differentially hardened.
More expensive swords don't use that kind of steel so its not as easy to work out the ripples. At least from what you said in the beginning.
The sad thing is that custom assembled swords like those from Northshire have trouble with the fittings but have great blade options, whereas items like the Ronin Katana Dojo Pro swords have great, durable fittings but are more unwieldy and "only" available in 1060 steel. For less than a thousand dollars I wish it were possible to just get a decently durable and sharp sword that wasn't only super heavyweight with the option for some plain wooden slab grips - none of the silly tactical or zombie branding, just plain even non-traditional fittings that won't come loose or break or are cheap but attempt to look like the real thing (plastic same, nylon ito, etc.).
Have you looked at JKOO/ Sinosword, Hanbon Forge, and Bohihyu?
That's weird. This is not at all the tsuba or blade that they used to show on KoA, SBG, or the RK site. The RK Dojo Pro 13 used to have a basic black circular tsuba and no bo-hi. Wonder when that got changed. I really liked the original version.
Oh, duh, it's just the RK 13 and not the Dojo Pro. Different sword altogether. LOL!
Ya know... I hope it's still. 130 bucks .
It seems like a really good cutter... For so cheap... Wow
So as you were saying, and I know they have purpose built iaito from other manufacturers, would there be any significant drawbacks for having the edge dulled a bit and using as an iaito? Especially if you had a very similar (sharp) dojo pro and wanted something really close
It will work for as an iaito if you dull the blade. It would not be a bad one for the money. Cheap stuff from Minosoka tends to work for iaido better because there is a focus on some small details that can aid in practice but they usually start at $300
@@Matthew_Jensen Thanks man, I really appreciate the response and especially on a more seasoned video. It seemed plausible but I wasn't 100% as I'm new to this.
Hi Matthew, I discovered your channel recently since I'm looking for a beginner sword (katana talking). I do not practice any martial art though, and it would be only a piece of furniture (a well made) to play with sometime, no tatami cutting. I have watched some of your videos and I wanted to hear your opinion: what should I buy? This sword? Or the custom one from Sword of the Northshire? (any other suggestion will be appreciated).
P.S.: I'm Italian, so I hope they pack to Italy too.
I am not sure what offerings are around in the area. I think this sword offers a lot for the money. If it is a decoration with minimal usage, most swords will suit your needs. Buy one you like the look of. Ronin, Swords of Northshire, Jkoo, and others all seem to do a pretty decent job.
@@Matthew_Jensen thanks a lot for the reply, I really appreciate it. I think I will buy the custom one from Sword then.
Hello! Realy i enjoy your videos.
Sorry for my bad inglish.
Coudl you be so kind to do a review and test for Tsunami Dragon katanas? Y have an oportunity to own one, but i'm not so sure. Whats is the diference in betwin sae1045 or 1095 and L6 or T10 from tsunami dragon.
I want a very funcional katana. Not the best, but the minimum of cuolity to cut tameshigri.
Thans again and sorry if you dont understand my inglish!
I think I reached out for a review sample but so far no luck.
i order one baste on your advice.i order a 1075 katana folded 10 times 1014 layers i made it to my address yet but it comes from china
Good job white warrior
Inosuke would be proud
My 3 day’s new Hanwei practical xl katana has a slight clic/creak when I perform a cut at times. Does that seem acceptable for a Hanwei or no. Should I get another model around that price point?
pretty normal. Might need to shim the tsuka a bit. They change with the temp n such.
Thanks man, I appreciate the advice. One last question though, lol. As far as durability, longevity, and overall katana quality is concerned, out of these 3 choices, do you recommend I get a Hanwei tori elite, Hanwei preying mantis, or a Hanwei bamboo mat katana for a next katana?
why you destroy Ronin Katana swords only ? Oo
can you try with a albion sword ? :D
I am totaly sure it's the same result...
I do it when vendors send a sample, there have been a few others than Ronan but they have been the most generous. Happy to do it with an albion if they send me one. Also, likely very similar results.. Though I think a $130 sword has more to prove than a $1000 sword..
Hello. Can I know the name of the symbol on the fuchi of this katana
Sorry, I don't know the name.
@@Matthew_Jensen thank you for response. I really enjoy your content ,and i appreciate the fact that there is almost no music in the videos.
It’s strait because it’s made by a machine rather then by hand.
if i get one of these do i have to wear the womans dress like you do?
Its optional.
Since 1392 to ww2 japanese used katana cut human, in 2020 katana cut laptop and etc. 3030 katana cut tank and rocket lol.
How can I buy katana sword from you pls guide me
I list them on ebay.. At least what I have to sell.
Does this one pass the bending test?
It will take a bend, differentially hardened blades tend to set rather than spring back.
@@Matthew_Jensen Thank you for your reply. I also left another question in your latest video. I would appreciate it if you can answer it.
Prefer 1060 steel blades. Harder and hold shape better.
They sell those too.
Do you by chance still have this? If so would you be willing to sell it to me? I really love the guard!!!
Don't think so.
@@Matthew_Jensen well if you come across it and would like to sell it please reach out.
Ony Yuri by chenes make a test
it was rick wan sword
You got something on your face buddy
Where i can contact you ...am intersted in your katana... Id seen you the other day and your sword is cheaper...
I want to buy two katana if you are interested in my offer...
contact info is in the description. Facebook is probably the easiest spot to send a message.
I know it’s Traditional to call the parts of the sword by the Japanese words but most of them can be translated just like the rest of the English words you’re using.
居合に使える刀ではありません。
装飾品です。
本物の日本刀を一振り購入される
べきです。
素振りや型の練習くらいは大丈夫
でしょうが。