Ronin Katana Dojo-Pro Model 13

This was the first katana I ever ordered. I’ve practiced Korean swordsmanship, however the blade styles between korean and japanese are very similar in that they’re both single-edged and curved. Korean swords are slightly shorter and weigh less, but because they’re pretty close and not a lot of companies make Korean-specific swords (or if they do they’re really expensive); katanas are used because they’re close.

With that being said though, not only just this katana specifically but all the other katanas in the Ronin Dojo Pro line are very solid and exceptional blades for this price range. The fit and finish of the katana from the various fittings, to the tightly wrapped tsuka (handle), to the saya (sheath) were very well-made on the one I have. I’ve used it for soft and hard target cutting and have yet to have anything come loose. The tsuka is very comfortable in that it’s not bulky, but fits nicely in the hand and the wrap used allows for ample grip. The fittings like the tsuba, fuchi, and kashira are made of iron (or what feels like iron), which was a pleasent surprise because iron fittings cost more than other materials like brass or aluminum and are usually used on higher-quality katanas because they’re more durable.

Going on to the blade, it is very durable and solid feeling. It does not have the hamon (wave pattern) on the edge, which is synonymous for katanas. This katana does not have one because the properties of the steel used cannot achieve this. However the steel it’s made from, 1060 high carbon steel, is known to be a very durable steel. This is a good thing for the beginner/immediate practitioner or hobbyist because our cutting forms aren’t perfect. Thus, if a bad cut/angle was taken, the blade would not get bent out of shape or become damaged.

In it’s use, I’ve used this katana to cut various soft and hard targets like tatami mats and bamboo. Just to mess around, I decided one day to cut a leg bone from a pig and the katana cut through it like a champ (do not cut hard targets unless you’re fully confident in your abilities and cutting angles.) When you hold the katana, you can feel the weight and solidarity of it and have full confidence that it is an exceptional weapon. It is a bit on the heavier side, but that’s normal for katanas that don’t have a bo-hi (the groove on the spine of the katana.) And in general, katanas without bo-hi’s are more suited for heavier cutting because they have more material in the spine of the blade to support itself. This isn’t to say that katanas with bo-hi’s are not reliable. The bo-hi serves no other special purpose aside from relieving weight off the blade.

Overall if you want to buy a good quality katana for an affordable price, this katana is the way to go. You won’t be disappointed, but if your katana comes with a defect or just not to your liking; you can always return it and get a different one that suits your tastes. Other options of affordable, good-quality katanas I’d recommend checking out are Cheness Cutlery and the Hanwei Raptor series katanas (which is offered by Kult of Athena).