Sub-$300 Katana (2014 edition)

The ronin has a more pronounced sori (curve). I like a deep sori, they seem to cut better. The blade on the Skyjiro is very sharp and beautiful. The handle or tsuka on the Skyjiro is 10" 5/8.
They Both have better balance in my opinion, than others I have bought. The fittings are very solid on both swords. For the price of the Ronin, I couldn't imagine a better katana. That's why I'd like to get one of their laminated versions. I'm very pleased with the quality of both. When it's not raining outside, I'll give them a test drive. I really need to get more tatami mats, they're pretty expensive, since I cannot find a place that sells them in bulk. But as far as handle length I'd try to stay around 11".
 
I would like to get another Skyjiro, but it'll be a while. I really need something with a nice bo-hi so I can get a nice Tachikaze. When I had the Hanwei Shinto I was obsessed with the swoosh it made. I love Iaido and all things blade related. My wife has done simple cuts with her ronin already, apples and other soft objects, since we had to stay inside. And it cut just fine, even though she is completely new to it. I had her do cutting drills for about an hour with the bokken before she used her ronin.
 
I had to get the folded feathers model, because it was the symbol of the Asano clan.I have had a ronin tattoo sleeve that I've had for about a decade.
 
yeah the crossed feathers is their clans symbol. My tattoo is only one ronin and a geisha. But I also have Shinto tattoos. I plan on getting more Japanese ink, mostly ronin stuff. I read The Book Of Five Rings, for the first time when I was 8. Since then I've always liked the Ronin character. Miyamoto Musashi, was himself a Ronin and I have always liked their underdog ways.
 
It would have been nice if the 47 Ronin movie, would have stayed true to the story. Such a shame, the real story is beautiful.
 
The story of the real Hatori Hanzo is really cool too. Also check out the story of Momochi Tanba, all great reading.
 
Looks like you got one(tattoo) on the forearm of your left arm. Could see a partial in the pic. I wouldn't mind some kanji, never thought I would, but my tastes have changed. A bushi or ronin would be cool. In the "Samurai" book I got, there is a lot of historical information in it. Very informative, on sale @ B&N for <$10, I had to get it. The other book I purchased is a lot more technical stuff, but great info on forms, kata, and came with a DVD. As far as the 47 Ronin movie goes, I heard about all the terrible reviews, and how it wasn't necessarily historically accurate or whatever. I liked it for what it was. Cool movie, in my opinion, and I liked Mr. Reeves role in it.
 
I liked the movie too, just wish they would make one true to the story. Yeah, if you look at the pic where I'm holding the ronin, you can partially see the tsuka from my ronin tattoo. Have you decided what sword you are going to go with?
 
TrueBlue11c said:
It would have been nice if the 47 Ronin movie, would have stayed true to the story. Such a shame, the real story is beautiful.
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Which one?

The 47 Ronin (1941 film)
47 Ronin (1994 film), a remake of the 1941 film
47 Ronin (2013 film), film starring Keanu Reeves
The Loyal 47 Ronin, a 1958 film
Chushingura: Hana no Maki, Yuki no Maki, a 1962 film (also titled 47 Ronin)

Thoughts?

GC
 
Horseclover

I was referring to the new movie with Keanu Reeves. I would have liked them to stick to the true story.
 
The Ronin cut really well, no problems while cutting. The Skyjiro cut very well, it's super sharp, so that seemed like a no brainer. The handle on the Ronin in my opinion offers better form.
Either way they are both keepers. I'd definitely buy more from both companies. I know Skyjiro does offer some models with the tapered handles though.


(These are just my opinions, others may differ)
(Also I have big hands so keep that in mind when I talk about tsuka length)
 
Good to know. Seems like Ronin is a good "bang-for-the-buck" choice. When I decide to pull the trigger, it will probably be the #21 DP.
 
The Ronin is definitely worth the money. The tsuka is favorable, the curvature of the blade is right, the kissaki is long. I think one with a bo-hi would be nice, for added acceleration in the cut.
Next month I might get one of the Ronin Elite models or a higher end Skyjiro that has the tapered tsuka.
 
Also my wife is a complete beginner and she was able to cut various rope, with diagonal cuts.With the Ronin, also the rope wasn't anchored.
 
TrueBlue11c said:
Also my wife is a complete beginner and she was able to cut various rope, with diagonal cuts.With the Ronin, also the rope wasn't anchored.
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I have given people who have physical limitations sharp swords to cut bamboo and wara....and for the most part, they were able to cut adequately....there was a video here on BFC of decent cuts made by a fellow in a wheelchair.

The test is both of the blade and the cutter.....most novices cannot cut mizu gaeshi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D35QGbPds2I

or Inazuma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0e3R2e4S3Q

It is good to have novices start with kesa cuts to build confidence....we have found at the dojo that most novices can handle all cuts adequately except yoko giri:

http://www.shinkitaikarate.ca/Scona/Glossary/Y/yoko giri/yoki giri.html

This is me cutting yoko giri a few years ago at the dojo....the sword was a Cold Steel Imperial katana that would not hold an edge for beans....it would cut when handled just right, lol...and I picked it up for about $300.00 at the time:

2iggacx.jpg


Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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Yeah, I'm just starting her out very slow. She tries to rush the steps. Once I see that she has proper form instilled I'll let her try tatami. She didn't like the fact that I wouldn't anchor the rope, cause she kept flinging it off the stand. Then once I got her to focus she cut it each time. I really would like a good source for tatami mats though, I want to buy in bulk, instead paying out the wazoo for single pieces.
Nice pic
 
TrueBlue11c said:
The Ronin is definitely worth the money. The tsuka is favorable, the curvature of the blade is right, the kissaki is long. I think one with a bo-hi would be nice, for added acceleration in the cut.
Next month I might get one of the Ronin Elite models or a higher end Skyjiro that has the tapered tsuka.
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I like the "hourglass" shape of the tsuba as well. I believe the Elites are laminated steel, so that should be interesting. All of those Skyjiro's look badass, as well.
 
TrueBlue11c said:
Also my wife is a complete beginner and she was able to cut various rope, with diagonal cuts.With the Ronin, also the rope wasn't anchored.
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This is good to hear also. Not that I doubted the cutting ability, but I trust your word over any reviewist. How long was the shipping? <a week, right?
 
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