Thanks for the compliments on my pics, guys!
Here's my writeup, crossposted to SelfDefenseForums, GlockTalk, and Bladeforums.
For those with their heads under rocks, this beauty of a knife was designed by Michael Janich and first made by Mike Snody. If you don't know who those two gentlemen are, then may God have mercy on your soul... or you could just check out info on them:
http://www.martialbladecraft.net/biography.htm
http://www.snodyknives.com/MS_Profile.htm
In any regards, I'm glad that Spyderco was able to come out with a custom collaboration of this model. No, not because I wanted a lower cost version, but rather because anyone who has tried will tell you that it is close to impossible to find a Snody Ronin on the market. Some complained that the MSRP for the Spyderco Ronin ($160) is the same that most places sell the custom version for, but as can already be seen, the Spyderco Ronin can be had for around $100 at a number of internet stores which is well below the asking price on the custom.
Pick up the Ronin and what does it say? "Janich/Snody"
So is that all hype? Is this the same as clothing and shoe manufacturers that sew on the names of athletes to increase sales? I can assure you that this is a far different case. Not only is it known that Janich designed this knife, but his preferences show in the design. What do I mean?
Well first of all, the ergonomics are simply fantastic. I mean you really wouldn't think they were anything special from looking at photos. In fact, before I handled it, I doubted the usefulness of such a shallow finger groove. What I didn't take into account, however, was the rounded thickness of the handle which turns even a shallow finger groove into a massive increase in grip security.
Janich prefers what he refers to as the Filipino grip, which places the thumb on the spine. And before you get all up in arms ("What a sissy saber grip?") please realize that what he is espousing is actually far different from a saber grip. A saber grip basically involves a cant of the wrist, an opening of the fingers, and a choking back of the thumb. These factors all increase mobility, but drastically decrease security. Janich, on the other hand, is basically talking about a hammer grip but with the thumb placed far forward on the spine.
This "Filipino grip," while not as strong as a full hammer grip, is far stronger than a traditional saber grip. Still, it's not a grip I'm usually too interested in, but on this knife it's extremely natural. Due to the placement of the traction grooves on the spine and its perfect angle for the thumb not to mention the relative position of the finger groove, the Filipino grip locks the Ronin into your hand at an amazing level. Like I said, it is clear that Mr. Janich put thought into this design.
The handle is not limiting, however. It works perfectly in every grip I tried, including all edge-in variants. It's one of the most universal handles possible, while still achieving sound retention. The handle has a nice thickness to it and is round in all the right places to fill the hand. The linen Micarta has been smoothed to the point of surface uniformity while still retaining a graininess that aids in grip. It is not polished like the Lum Tanto FB. The holes also aid in traction while decreasing weight.
Moving on to the blade, we find the most wicked edge imaginable. The high, full flat double grind leaves an eerily thin edge that will separate any material that dares come within sight. The needle point wouldn't stand up to even the lightest of prying but penetrates better than any knife I own. As this knife was designed as a defensive weapon, the thin edge and tip shouldn't worry you.
The sheath, while a bit large, seems to also stay true to the Snody original. The channel at the top is perfect to run the supplied para-chain through. It is the best design I've seen so far to eliminate flip-over in neck knives. Also supplied is a mini-tek-lok, but I chose to attach a Blade-Tech pull-the-dot-snap for IWB carry. It carries a bit high this way (the pull-the-dot-snap will only fit in the larger holes on the sheath) but still conceals extremely well.
The one thing you'll notice on the sheath that's not true to the original is the addition of a tension screw. I, for one, think this is a pretty neat idea, especially due to the mixed responses that Spyderco has had over their last few kydex sheaths. The argument of whether a sheath is too tight or loose can not be had with this model: you decide! What's really neat is to look at the part they used. No, it's not just another chicago screw, it's actually a pivot assembly that Spyderco uses in their G-10 models! I think that's a really interesting way to limit the amount of extra parts needed on hand. The only modification made they made is to cut a channel into the flat side of the pivot assembly, turning it into a flathead type screw. So you can loosen or tighten your sheath with the same allen wrench you use on your G-10 spydie pivots, plus a flathead screwdriver!
Complaints?
Well, I'm sorry to see it bead-blasted, but it's of no major concern. Also, the bead blasting has a weird waviness to it so that under certain light it looks like something is smeared on the blade.
To be honest, that's about my only complaint of it so far. If I come up with any others I'll be sure to let you guys know.
For the internet price of $100, I think it's a damn good knife. Just looking at the raw materials, you've got VG-10, linen Micarta, and Kydex. Now factor into that the amount of wisdom and experience that have gone into this knife and I think you'll agree with me: the Ronin is a good deal.
Well what are you still reading this for? Go buy one! Can't afford one right now? Go steal one! Sell your children! Whatever it takes!
