Advice on a Ritter Steel Samurai Katana?

K

Kohdi

Joined
Apr 17, 2012
Messages
3
Hello all,

This is my first post here, I was drawn to finally make an account after deciding to purchase my first large sword. I am in the market (or will be soon) for a simple, utilitarian blade with which to do some possible brush cutting as well as work as a self-defense weapon if necessary on hikes out in the wilderness. One of my early choices was the Windlass/Cobra Steel Falcata, mostly because it looks tough, solid, and has that nice convex blade that would eat through small trees. Plus, the reviews I could find were all favorable, and it's wonderfully cheap. I still haven't ruled it out, but my main question is this -

Are there any members with personal experience wielding the Ritter Steel Samurai Katana (This guy here - http://www.swordsofmight.com/rittersteelsamuraikatana.aspx )? There are very few reviews, and those I can find are definitely a mixed bag. To help with that issue a bit, understand this - I do not care that it "butchers" the traditional katana aesthetic, I actually rather like it. I realize its construction and shape, and maybe even its steel, probably fly in the face of all considered good and holy by those who swear by katanas, but I am not looking for a traditional katana. I plan to use this like a glorified machete, and from what I've read it may be perfect for that job. If anyone does have personal experience with this sword, I would greatly appreciate your input or recommendations.

I know there are many other options to choose from, like the Hanwei TK or any number of swords from Windlass, Cold Steel, etc., but for some reason this Ritter blade keeps catching my eye. Again, don't worry about factors like its appearance, length, or overall weight, in fact, I'd prefer a heavy, ugly, effective blade to take out in the woods over a delicate albeit deadly sword any day.

Thanks for any and all replies!
 
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Wondering against what you will be defending yourself against. Also, what sort of brush are you wanting to clear?
 
Well, that is the core of the issue. In truth, I think the falcata would do much better for what I have in mind, but I've been keeping an eye out for a unique (and inexpensive) katana-like sword for some time. I'll be needing the blade (whichever it may be) on a long hike through seldom-traveled forest, ending in about a mile of heavily forested, very beautiful canyon floor riparian area. The brush clearing would be mostly relegated to the canyon, which may not even be necessary (I've never gone so far in before), and the self-defense aspect would only be for situations that could not be avoided with bravado or a good whack with a hiking stick. The area has been known for bears, mountain lions, javelinas, and I'm sure many other creatures.

So I guess I just convinced myself of the falcata, at least for that application, but I am still very interested to hear the thoughts of anyone who's used the Ritter Steel blade. It remains my top choice for a functional, affordable, interesting-looking katana unless someone with the experience can convince me otherwise.
 
Normally a katana would not work for what you are asking for. The longest size I would use is a Wakizashi at about 24 to 26 inches. Anything longer and you are carrying dead weight IN THE WOODS....

A good solid machete with a slightly tweaked handle length is what you really need. If you are carrying a sword of any kind you can get into trouble for the wrong reasons. Machete LOOKING blade? Hardly at all and it is more reasonable and not a surprise to those in charge of protecting society.

As to the blade of a japanese sword, short or long, for cutting brush is not a good use of the shape. The longer blade also means you end up carrying an extra pound or two.....space better left for more important gear.

As for a simple utilitarian blade, a rodent rucki is perfect though a little more expensive. It also is one of those bomb proof blades that has been used in just insane ways and has a warranty that is also as bomb proof. The light weight and toughness just puts it right out there in front. I am not an advocate for them in any way but I have seen over and over crazy stuff done with them that would void warranties from other makers and nothing happened. You can cut brush with it...even cut down small trees. The difference is your arm wouldn't be anywhere near as tired.

As for self defense, I am sure that if it is a tough and sharp tool, ergonomic and easy on the body to use, then it will be a slick and tough performer when you need it.
 
I can think of 2 things after reading your post, both of which I have considered getting a few times, never did though.

Hanwei Banshee

Banshee1.jpg



the second is a bush sword that I have seen, I dont know the price on them though

Bush Sword

jungleknife4.jpg
 
Kohdi said:
Well, that is the core of the issue. In truth, I think the falcata would do much better for what I have in mind, but I've been keeping an eye out for a unique (and inexpensive) katana-like sword for some time. I'll be needing the blade (whichever it may be) on a long hike through seldom-traveled forest, ending in about a mile of heavily forested, very beautiful canyon floor riparian area. The brush clearing would be mostly relegated to the canyon, which may not even be necessary (I've never gone so far in before), and the self-defense aspect would only be for situations that could not be avoided with bravado or a good whack with a hiking stick. The area has been known for bears, mountain lions, javelinas, and I'm sure many other creatures.

So I guess I just convinced myself of the falcata, at least for that application, but I am still very interested to hear the thoughts of anyone who's used the Ritter Steel blade. It remains my top choice for a functional, affordable, interesting-looking katana unless someone with the experience can convince me otherwise.
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Brother I wouldnt carry anything more than a small fixed blade if it were me. Obviously I love me some blades but if I carried one it wouldnt be for use it would be for fun or throwing a tomahawk if I brought that.
 
Kohdi said:
Well, that is the core of the issue. In truth, I think the falcata would do much better for what I have in mind, but I've been keeping an eye out for a unique (and inexpensive) katana-like sword for some time. I'll be needing the blade (whichever it may be) on a long hike through seldom-traveled forest, ending in about a mile of heavily forested, very beautiful canyon floor riparian area. The brush clearing would be mostly relegated to the canyon, which may not even be necessary (I've never gone so far in before), and the self-defense aspect would only be for situations that could not be avoided with bravado or a good whack with a hiking stick. The area has been known for bears, mountain lions, javelinas, and I'm sure many other creatures.

So I guess I just convinced myself of the falcata, at least for that application, but I am still very interested to hear the thoughts of anyone who's used the Ritter Steel blade. It remains my top choice for a functional, affordable, interesting-looking katana unless someone with the experience can convince me otherwise.
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No offence here, but you're going to lose with anything short of a gun. I'd concentrate on the tools ability to cut through brush. Although it may be ninjariffic to think you can take on a bear with a katana, more than likely you'll end up as a smelly pile of bear scat.
A parang comes to mind
 
SShepherd said:
No offence here, but you're going to lose with anything short of a gun. I'd concentrate on the tools ability to cut through brush. Although it may be ninjariffic to think you can take on a bear with a katana, more than likely you'll end up as a smelly pile of bear scat.
A parang comes to mind
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I don't know what kind of weird man-eating bear horror-stories you've been reading, but you can "win" with a whistle or a pan and a stick. In general, bears and mountain lions don't want to actually fight something that is interested in fighting back. People have driven off attacking animals with pocket knives before.

That being said, I wouldn't be lugging a sword up into the bush either. A waki, perhaps. Definitely not a katana, and definitely not a katana for brush cutting. They're not designed for that. Also, you'll look like a mall-ninja who's horribly out of place if you have a sword strapped to your pack. I can't imagine ever hearing of a self-respecting outdoorsman who carried a sword around in the bush. Except maybe for Gecko45.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
I don't know what kind of weird man-eating bear horror-stories you've been reading, but you can "win" with a whistle or a pan and a stick. In general, bears and mountain lions don't want to actually fight something that is interested in fighting back. People have driven off attacking animals with pocket knives before.

That being said, I wouldn't be lugging a sword up into the bush either. A waki, perhaps. Definitely not a katana, and definitely not a katana for brush cutting. They're not designed for that. Also, you'll look like a mall-ninja who's horribly out of place if you have a sword strapped to your pack. I can't imagine ever hearing of a self-respecting outdoorsman who carried a sword around in the bush. Except maybe for Gecko45.
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the op didn't mention or post about scareing off dangerous animals- or I would have made mention of it. Yes most will go away due to loud noises , unless you happen to get around cubs.
Either way, the words "self defence" and "bears/mountina lions" and "sword" were used--bad idea
People have survived after hitting the ground when their parachute failed to open also, that doesn't make it ok to jump without one. Some people get lucky, other people get dead.
 
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Kohdi - if you want something sharp and pointy that will be the bane of vegetation and also double as a weapon you might want to consider some of the ethnic blades from Burma/Thailand/Indonesia/Philippines like that Banshee that crazyengineer posted or any of a number of designs that Condor TK is selling right now like the parang or golok or enep or barong (or a ginunting would work as well - check Traditional Filipino Weapons for those). Those are the things that people who live by chopping stuff in the woods use for work and self defense. Himilayan Imports also makes some nice kukri and more sword-like stuff for these purposes.

But it really sounds like you want the Ritter Steel Katana and are looking for uses to justify getting it. If that's the case and you have the $ for the Ritter and you don't need a more practical blade for the woods, then get it. You've probably already read the same reviews we have that say that it's heavy and overbuilt and sometimes a bit rough in the finish but you still want it. Well, okay. Nothing wrong with that. If nothing else it will give you some experience from which to judge your next long blade if the Ritter leaves you unsatisfied. It could be the stepping stone to something like a Zombie Tools blade, which also has B-movie looks and is built for destructive fun.

You don't need the Ritter Steel. The only real question is how bad you want it? We can't help you with that one.
 
Seaxybeast put it well. Get it if you want it .... no need to have a self defense or 'bushcrafting' excuse. I got a closet steadily filling with sharp things picked up just because I like blades. And I'm not the only one....
 
pullrich said:
Seaxybeast put it well. Get it if you want it .... no need to have a self defense or 'bushcrafting' excuse. I got a closet steadily filling with sharp things picked up just because I like blades. And I'm not the only one....
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and that's the best reason:D
 
Storm Crow said:
Yep, definitely should get one of these. :) What handsome man with stylish jaw-length sideburns made that awesome blade, anway? :D

Thanks, crazyengineer!
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Storm crow,
Sad thing is, I really want one of these, but don't have the money. The first time I saw them I liked the style, I thought you made a longer one though (may just be me wanting one with a grip wide enough for 2 hands with an 18 inch blade). I also want to learn how you do those knots. Either way, I wish I had the money for one lol.
 
Storm Crow said:
Crazyengineer - I think you are remembering the top one in this picture:

dha2.jpg


The blade on it is 19".

As for how to tie the Turk's head knots, I asked Tai Goo years ago and he sent me a link to this animation: http://www.ropeworks.biz/archive/Aturkhed.html
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Thats it, I remember it having a slightly different blade shape (more of a clip point I think). Though, I think I was getting it and another mixed up. I still really lik those though
 
imo, in situation of self defense, do not carry anything longer than you can easily conceal. we live in 21 century and in most of situations a sword is too big to be acctrully use effectively for self defense matters. upon seeing your sword, your target will either ran away or shoot you immeditly. you will lose your chance to use it either way.

i would like to focus more on the tool side of the sword. while a sword can be a deadly weapon, but there are something else fit for this much better.
 
hammerfall said:
imo, in situation of self defense, do not carry anything longer than you can easily conceal. we live in 21 century and in most of situations a sword is too big to be acctrully use effectively for self defense matters. upon seeing your sword, your target will either ran away or shoot you immeditly. you will lose your chance to use it either way.

i would like to focus more on the tool side of the sword. while a sword can be a deadly weapon, but there are something else fit for this much better.
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Truth. Concealment is more of a factor now than at any point in our history. Personally, a machete, small bush sword, or kukri would be my choice for a utility-type blade that can be used in a fight when needed. For a dedicated self defense weapon, I prefer firearms supplimented by a couple smallish blades but since this is the internet and individual needs differ, your milage may vary.
 
Kohdi said:
Are there any members with personal experience wielding the Ritter Steel Samurai Katana (This guy here - http://www.swordsofmight.com/rittersteelsamuraikatana.aspx )?
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My main concern is that there does not seem to be any description of the steel used on the website. My experience is that when makers don't do this, it is because the steel is crap.

In a long, relatively thin blade like this I would not be supposed to see it bend or break under heavy use like brush clearing if it's not properly made of decent steel.
 
mdauben said:
My main concern is that there does not seem to be any description of the steel used on the website. My experience is that when makers don't do this, it is because the steel is crap.

In a long, relatively thin blade like this I would not be supposed to see it bend or break under heavy use like brush clearing if it's not properly made of decent steel.
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Just as a point of reference for the blade thicknesses, most of the Ritter Steel Oriental blades I've seen have 5-6mm thick blades with very little distal taper, so on the thick side, rather than on the thin.

No idea about their steel quality or the quality of their heat treat. Most reviews I've seen classify them as beaters, so I'd expect that the blade is built tough for backyard adventures but may not handle or cut the best.
 
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