Ronin--your purpose of carry?

KBR

KBR

Joined
Feb 12, 2002
Messages
1,525
I finally received my Ronin yesterday and I'm very pleased with it. However, I'm having a hard time trying to decide on carrying it as a usual EDC or restricting it to only a SD blade. I've read that it's a great utility blade, but the tip seems like it can be fragile and break if I'm not careful.

I'd like to know, for those that carry the Ronin, do you use it as a normal EDC or just carry it for self defense?

Thanks :D
 
Though I do not own a Ronin, I was able to see some tests performed with one while fortunate enough to be training with Mike Janich in Ohio a month ago.

He performed several tests with various blades, mostly folders but the Ronin was also tested. It involved stabbing and slashing at a roast that was wrapped tightly on a dowel with cellophane.

The tip strength on the Ronin was a non issue and suffered no damage when it was stabbed into the roast and the tip came in contact with the dowel in either slashes or stabs. Left some nasty wounds on the dowel though.

I didn't think I'd like the knife but it is a performer and I should have known better as it was designed with major input from one of the premier instructors in the US, Mike Janich himself.

Though I don't own one, I am no longer not adverse to that possibility which I was before I saw the knife in action.

Enjoy your Ronin, it should serve you well in either role you mentioned.

Brownie
 
One of the design attributes of the Ronin that stands out is the outstanding handle design. It appears to offer excellent control, combined with a nice taper-down to the butt of the handle that truly makes it an outstanding design for use as either neck-carry or belt-carry.

I'm on the edge of buying this knife, but the 'cheap bastard' in me says "but you already have a Becker Necker".

I'd appreciate any comments from a Ronin-owner on their opinions of this knife.
 
I've been carrying my Ronin the past couple of days and this Spydie is really beginning to grow on me. The tip seems to be stronger than what I first thought and the fully flat ground blade really cuts like a little devil. The handle offers a secure and comfortable grip, mainly due to the finger choil, and the textured spine allows for extra control when making precise cuts.

For the first time EVER, I have found a Spydie that I like to carry more than my S30V Millie!! :eek: :D
 
Dear KBR:

Thanks for your interest in the Ronin. I'll admit that the flat-ground Spyderco version does not possess the same tip strength as the original chisel-ground Snody version, but I have been beating the snot out of my production Ronin for more than a year with ballistic cutting tests like the one Brownie described (thank you, Brownie, for the kind words) and have experienced no problems whatsoever. Even when I perform "comma cuts" (thrusts that achieve full penetration, then twist and cut out) and drive the point into the supporting hardwood dowel, I've had no problems with tip strength.

A while back, French knifemaker Fred Perrin also did some testing with the Ronin. His test for tip strength was to stab it repreatedly through the skull of a freshly butchered pig. The tip held up just fine.

If you're in the habit of prying with the tip of your EDC knife, you're probably better off with something else. Otherwise, after more than a year on the market, the fears of weak tips on the Ronin have proven unfounded.

I hope your Ronin serves you well.

Stay safe,
 
Mike, thanks for your response and info on your tests. I'm really happy with my Ronin (#574)--my first EDC fixed blade--and it really gives me a sense of comfort and security in knowing it's on my belt.

As I mentioned earlier, I've decided on using it strictly for SD/emergency use while carrying my Military for common utility EDC use. However, in some instances, I may not be able to carry both due to me having to wear some nomex coveralls occasionally, in which case I think that I'll carry my Ronin via the neck carry method. With it having the option of both belt and neck carry, this Spydie is really working hard on becoming my favorite bug. :D
 
I've been carrying my Ronin on and off since they first came out. My main purpose for carrying the Ronin is SD, but I have found that it makes a great utility or EDC knife. The tip is a little thin, but I don't pry with my knives anyway. I think that the factory sheath is actually pretty decent; especailly compared to the Perrin sheath. Overall, I think that the Ronin the one of the best small SD knives around.
 
I have also found the tip to be stronger than it looks. I used my Ronin to cut the old, and very tough, linoleum from my kitchen floor. The tip stuck against the concrete floor numerous times and I was expecting the tip to suffer damage. However there was none.
After about five minutes on the sharpmaker the knife was back to scary-sharp.

Luckily I do not have to carry a knife for defense. The Ronin is ugly. Sorry..but I think it is. But that blade works..
 
After reading all the posts, I am wondering if this is the same knife I have purchased, and am very anxiously awaiting. It is a Spyderco Fred Perrin FB04. Is this the same knife? If not, can one of you please post a pic of the Ronin? Thank you.
 
I carry the Ronin in my back pocket...

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cheers

JM
 
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