Ronin Katana Euro War Sword #1 Review

This is a review t of a Ronin Katana Euro War Sword #1
Link to Ronin Katana - roninkatana.co...
Link to KoA - www.kultofathen...
Blade: 37.13”
Blade Width At Guard: 2.11”
Blade Thickness At Guard: .31”
Blade Width At Fuller Termination:1.38”
Blade Thickness At Fuller Termination: .20”
Fuller Length: 24”
Hilt:11”
Cross Guard: 9.5”
Pommel: 2.5”
Grip: 8”
Top Grip: 5.25”
Lower Girp: 2.75
Weight: 3lb 10.5oz
POB:6.5”
Mass 1658.447103
Hilt Extremity 0
Grip Reference 26.67
Blade Extremity 121.92
Center of Gravity 43.815
Lever Reference 6.35
Hilt Node 22.86
Blade Node 90.17
Action Point 25
Pivot Point 80.01
Action Point 7.6
Pivot point 55.8
subcaelo.net/e...
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Link to the new facebook spot - / matthewjensenswordreview
Link to the new patreon spot - / krunan
Link to my ebay sales page - www.ebay.com/us...

[@hansvonmannschaft9062]

Two years ago a longsword was found in Poland, dated to be no less than 500 years old, it had a 90-ish cm blade, and two fullers that ran across almost half its lenght. Granted, the tip was not as pointy as this one, but rather spatulate. This being said, it posed a challenge when it came down to place it within Mr. Oakeshott's typology. Things got better when the pommel type was nowhere to be found within those listed by Mr. Oakeshott. In a nutshell, snobs should say that that particular historical sword was not historically accurate. Thus, I wouldn't sweat it regarding this one either. Great video as always mate, thank you and keep up the great work!

[@seanbydawn8243]

Matt, your reviews are always good sir. After debating katana vs European swords I believe that the European speaks a little louder to me. For a fan of katanas it is really good to see you diversity as I know you like all swords to at least some degree. For the money, ronin katana looks like it is worth every penny spent. Keep up the good work.

[@tobytoxd]

Great review and a beautiful sword! Thank you!

[@chrisbernard534]

Wow, this review is just what I was looking for. Thank you! I've had my eye on this gorgeous sword, and your footage and analysis has really helped me decide to purchase it. To my eye, the blade has always looked a bit thick near the tip, like the distal taper isn't as pronounced as it could be past the fuller terminations. I also noticed that when you bent the blade, there was a healthy bend near the end of the fullers but that the last 12 or so inches didn't bend much at all. This, together with your commentary on feeling connected to the fuller termination point rather than the tip, and I think I could make this into a truly excellent sword by sanding off some material from the last 12 inches of the blade. This would reduce overall mass slightly and move the POB back a bit and reduce some of the "tip-heavy" feel and perhaps make it feel more lively and accurate for thrusting. I'll definitely rewatch some of Peter Johnson's vids on sword nodes and such before attempting this lol. Please excuse the longwinded comment and thanks again for a thorough and helpful review!

[@JETBLACKPRIEST]

how'd you go? looking at this and thinking the exact same thing.

[@erichusayn]

Thank you. Been considering a Ronin euro for my first forray into a euro longsword. As always you answered all the pertinent ?s and helped me make up my mind....

[@erichusayn]

Just pulled the trigger on the euro model 2 longsword thanks to your info! Koa was sold out so I got it directly from Ronin. Had a bad experience with a dojo pro awhile back that had soured me on Ronin but decided to give them another chance. The specs and price were right. Hoping that it is a welcome addition to my collection. Been on the fence for quite some time, and if a similar sword gets your approval, I'm willing to give them a chance at redemption....

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I hope it works out for you.

[@erichusayn]

Matthew Jensen Thanks!

[@erichusayn]

Looks and cuts good so far. I think this may be the makings of Ronins redemption...

[@mr.excalibur1455]

@@erichusayn Was wondering if you were going to comment on this one. I just got it a little while back and I really like it. Like you I had bought another one of their Euro models in the last ... the Crusader I think it was ... nice design but far too tip heavy. It seems to often be a problem with their swords ... is the engineering. They DON'T BRAKE ... and they come very nicely sharpened. Their basic looks are in fact why the price tag is where it is. However ... they are solid built swords with a simple yet functional and fitted scabbard. For $300/$400ish ... that's a pretty good deal in my book. This particular model really caught my eye and it handle very nicely for having such a long blade. So ... gotta ... my fav RK Euro model so far. OH ... also bought the Euro Model #2 War Sword ... did not like it ... blech!!! Not a fan of this overly wide competition cutters.

[@brianleben4893]

As always you’ve done an outstanding job brother! I think probably the sharpness issue you’ve noted with European swords comes from that historically speaking, longswords in general were more meant for thrusting than cutting as armor was highly evolved during the period when they were seeing use on the battlefield. Now while they could obviously be used as a side arm for day to day use, most longswords were meant for being used with a half sword grip to both use it as a shield/grappling tool with the tip being the primary weapon, aiming at gaps in an enemy’s armor. Just a thought.

[@seanbydawn8243]

Matt... Glad to see that your getting more subscribers. You have a good channel here sir and always appreciate that you respond when I have a question. That is greatly appreciated. And, now I have a question; out of the Ronin Euro sword line, if you had to pick one as far as balance, performance, toughness and such which one would you pick? I have contacted Albion about the Talhoffer but I am NOT going to beat the bloody snot out of a sword in that price range or higher, so for a fun beater sword what you would recommend? Not interested in arming swords of viking styles but rather two handed or bastard. I thank you in advance! Cheers

[@Matthew_Jensen]

hard to say what the pick would be. probaby the war sword two because I like the shape and size. The euro model 1 is nice too but both model 1 and 2 are very sizable. The previous 2h model they sent for review was much more nimble.

[@seanbydawn8243]

Thank you... Much Appreciated.

[@not-a-raccoon]

I'm thinking this might just have to be my next purchase. I love my RKE5, I think it need it's big brother

[@Chaosism]

I want to see how well (or poorly) the quillons hold up to punishment in terms of resisting deformation. I've had a couple swords that have a pretty soft steel and it's too easily bent. It's a disappointing thing. Also, punish the pommel a little. Also, that pommel is basically the same as the one on my Albion Regent, and (despite me generally preferring gloves) I've found that the pommel isn't bad once you get used to it. Heck, those groves on the "fishtail" fit one's fingers pretty well so it seems as though it's designed for that instead of having a palm on the bottom (for certain guards and thrusts).

[@ultrixcrucesignatus1261]

Chaosism - I haven't been overly rough with mine, but I've done a few mordhaus into soft targets. ... And possibly some dramatic finishers that have left me yanking the guard out of the ground. There hasn't been any bending, but it has loosened up a good bit and started to rattle. The edges on the pommel are fairly well rounded off. It makes it feel more natural to grip, but lacks the artistic flare of something more defined like your Regent. (I'm also a sucker for fishtail pommels.) The blade profile is absolutely the selling point of this sword to me. I love the aesthetic of that tapered double fuller.

[@jeff-hc8ux]

thanks for another comprehensive review man

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Cheers

[@fatman4792]

Sir jensen, how does this sword compare to the ronin#7 in terms of durability. also do you have a personel preferance betweeb the two?

[@terricus]

I've got the RK Euro model shown in this video. Im at the part about the scabbard and Im getting jealous. Mine's got no rattle in the scabbard, and it's waaaay too tight. Now Im not a body builder or anything but Im certainly not weak and it takes a significant amount of force to draw.

[@grimmswordsknives2226]

Great sword collection! Great in-depth review

[@sb-ant6457]

European swords should be a bit generous in the sheath, the wood that made these sheaths would have seen sun, rain and ice while on campaign and swell and contract. A stuck in the sheath sword is even less valuable than a mall ninja swordthing, the tight fit of todays sheaths is more an expectation than historically sound.

[@sb-ant6457]

It seems logical to me also, Tod touchs on the subject here, kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4fPiX9tYtCYgq8 I hope Matthew doesn't mind me linking to another youtube to expand on the subject and think about some of our expectations.

[@johndonovan7018]

i dont understand why you dont get more views. you cover everything a buyer should care about without the stupid fancy theatrical gimmicks (like shooting them with a minigun.......)

[@Matthew_Jensen]

KZbin is a funny place. It seems like plenty of folks find the content. I am not sure what to expect from a very niche hobby.

[@fgcvhhbvjhbj]

Was it ever heavily tested or destroyed? Would like to see another video on it! Thanks for your vids, they're great

[@David-pf8nt]

I’m sure it would be like every other Ronan katana sword durability wise

[@ryldauril6379]

i own one.. i like it but the handle can be re done.. i plan on getting a guy to remake it..ill also maybe saw off the quillions

[@taurusprotector8839]

Please make destructive test soon

[@Matthew_Jensen]

It will be a bit..

[@UncleFuncle69]

To speak on the the lines not being as crisp as something like an Albion, I personally like this and follow Todd’s of Todd’s stuff thoughts on it making the sword more natural and authentic, where the Albions can at times look to “manufactured” and modern

[@krivayne3194]

Been waiting for this one :)

[@krivayne3194]

Everything I've seen online and from your review, it definitely looks like an Oakeshott type XVII. I've got an Albion Sempach on order, which is another XVII, and this Ronin looks very similar. Awesome review, looking forward to seeing the destruction testing if you let us see that!

[@viktorkachovski5252]

That would fall under Type XXI of the Oakeshott typology. Profile: broad, slowly tapering to an acute point Cross-section: wide and flat with marked edge bevels and sometimes a shallow midrib, or it can be wide and hexagonal On some blades the cross section is almost like a flat diamond section with the fullers cut out, leaving the midrib and the edge bevels Average Blade Length: 30" Fuller: 2 wide and shallow fullers in the upper part of the blade, or 2 fullers running almost the entire length Point: acute Grip: both long gripped and single hand. Some bigger ones are War Sword size Average Weight: Primary purpose: cutting and thrusting Period: late 15th c.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thanks for that!

[@UncleFuncle69]

Type XXI refers to swords like Cinquedeas, very broad multi-fullered single handed swords. The closest typology this sword comes to is a Type XX and even then it doesn’t totally fit into that typology. This sword is ahistorical, it’s not to say that a sword like this could have never existed in the Middle Ages but we have no finds or records of any swords quite like this one.

[@Fjuron]

I am going to buy this sword, sharpen it and decapitate water bottles all day long. Gonna be fun! 😎⚔🤺

[@GeorgeLCostnza]

Just to verify, you never did destructive testing of this, correct? Just looking for info on what the tang looked like. Thanks.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

That is correct

[@GeorgeLCostnza]

@@Matthew_Jensen Any insights on other RK tangs? Was close to getting a Euro 1 and just wanted to verify it won't fly apart in my hands.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I would speculate that this is similar to the other Ronin blades I have tested. I did a few others where I showed the tang and it seemed more that sufficient to hold up. I don't know if they are as robust as some historic examples but they have proven not to snap over the many I have tested. This one is one that I have not broken for a few reasons. Hopefully I get to make more content with it sometime in the coming months.

[@exgi76gmailcom]

Percussive Maintanence...... best term ever ! Thank you

[@lastditcheffort3979]

Your scabbard is a lemon mine is nice and tight.

[@danielflynn9141]

Okay, so within this comment section, this blade has been categorized by three people as an Oakeshott type XVII, a XXa, and a XXI. Someone recall Mr. Oakeshott from beyond the grave, please!

[@danielflynn9141]

XX, XXa, and XXI are really difficult to distinguish and are quite similar, so surely this cannot be a XVII.

[@UncleFuncle69]

This is definitely an XXa or XX. I always like to think of Oakeshott typology to be more of a guideline than set rules. This sword could easily fit into both categories. It’s not as strongly tapered as the XXa but is more tapered than an XX but to both degrees it’s not so much that I could be thrown out of either undoubtedly.

[@UncleFuncle69]

Definitely not an XXI though as most of those are single handed swords and are more similar to a sword length cinquedea type thing

[@jazdaz2058]

When are you doing the destructive test?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

plans for this one fell thought a bit. I was going to do a collaboration and send it off for another sword friend to review but that time has passed. I think it is probably time for me to do something with it.

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

cool sword

[@taurusprotector8839]

That sword is main 😍

[@tomsimmo5789]

Subbed Sir Knight.

[@Greenmick6982]

Kittywampus! LOL Great review

[@not-a-raccoon]

For anyone wondering how to tie this particular sword belt, here ya go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maa8h4ShZriCZtE

[@allanstpaul9937]

It is a two handed sword not one hand.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

What if I have really big hands?

[@lukemcinerny8220]

There are one handed in plays with the longsword in HEMA at least in Fiore can't speak to the german traditions but it wouldn't surprise me

[@Gamerdude535]

Well actually it’s basically a Bastard Sword if you ask me. Can be used in one or two hands.

[@iisilmano1]

Does anyone know were to buy one of these for UK buyers??

[@JohnDoe-i3q]

Cult of Athena

[@michaelroth8459]

Can it cut well?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

With a better edge, I imagine it would cut better but I don't think it will every be as proficient a cutter as some of the other blades offered.

[@simfer_6782]

We wait for destruction test of this sword.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have mixed feelings about breaking it. Mostly because I was asked not to break it. The folks at Ronin are under the impression that they have demonstrated the durability in terms of breaking. That said, I feel bad about keeping something of value. I have pondered a few other options. At the moment, I am pondering sharpening it, now that I have some degree of competency with it and giving it a follow up review.

[@simfer_6782]

@@Matthew_Jensen I understand. It is definitely shame to break this good looking sword. But when i see other destruction videos of Ronin swords especially longsword euro model 7 and viking sword, they were tough as hell. So it is definitely good promotion to Ronin...

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Agreed, that said, in retrospect I am glad I did not break it. I have gotten a bit better at the reviews and this would be a good one to sharpen up and test again.. now that I have some capability there.

[@g.r.bilyeu4226]

Shortly

[@allopez8563]

Ronin katana, katanas are very sharp but their Euro swords are not really that sharp which I don't understand why.

[@jeanpaulgartier3404]

Just sharpen it man

[@allopez8563]

​@@jeanpaulgartier3404 Hmm, after 3 years and a score of sharpening stones I have finally sharpen one of the edges of my sword.

[@ЕленаСпельт]

give me that sword

[@sb-ant6457]

First

[@thomasegolfii361]

That sword is a borderline craven copy of an original design from Eldgur Swordmakery, somewhat simplified. I instantly have no desire to ever own a Ronin Katana blade.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Do you have a link or some info to elaborate a bit?

[@thomasegolfii361]

www.sword-elgur.com/sword-type-xxa-design-swordmakery-elgur/

[@thomasegolfii361]

Commissioned is about two months ago.

[@chrisgodby7472]

Eldgur Swordmakery used historical swords to influence their design and their website says so. Both from a museum and a book. To make a judgment about Ronin when both companies probably based their design on the same or similar historical swords would be misadvised.

[@thomasegolfii361]

Lets pretend the specifications aren't almost identical, and lets also pretend that the blade shape, guard, pommel, grip shape and fullers are also not almost identical. There's nothing left to compare. Naivety is more so misadvised.

[@jackcook3318]

You call that a sword that's a tooth pick