Spyderco Forums

IWB, IWB, IWB.....

Mike,

Even though the proto sheath I sent Sal was just set up for neck wear, the large eyelet supports additon of an IWB loop and also suggested it could be set up for small Teklok. Channel for chain/cord can be made also, but eyelets can be used if spacing is far enough apart to inhibit spin factor. A good MBC sheath (or any for that matter) needs to have good grip acquisition along with appropriate tension for the style of carry. Just like using handguns, you need to have your final grip on the knife before it leaves the sheath.

Mike

The production version in .125 (3mm) VG-10 with micrta scales & 3 indexing holes. The sheath will be set up for neck or IWB carry.

The prototype got a good reaction in Germany, especially from the MBC groups.

I believe the run is for 2,000 plain edge pcs. Trainers will wait on reaction.

Double flat ground edge to spine.

Mike Sastre made the sheath for the proto. Thanx Mike.

We discussing a folding version and construction. Probably will be a "folding Ronin" to avoid confusion.

The Ronin design certainly demonstrates Spyderco's philosophy of "No more than necessary, no less than perfect".

sal

One thing I like about the flat grinds is when combined with a downwards pointing spine, a nice distal taper is formed; the flat ground police has this feature.

Knife Knut on a shoestring budget.

This is an awesome design and definitely at the top of my wish list. It seems perfect for reverse grip. What kind of price should we be expecting, $80-$100. It is a simple fixed blade. Thanx.

Is there anyway that MBC students can put their names on the list to ensure that we get one?
By the way just came back from MBC class 3 & 4. Words don't do the classes justice. Came back to Atlanta with enough stuff to work on for the rest of the year and then some. Mike Janich did a great job!

Dear Satori:

Thanks for the kind words regarding the recent classes. You've "been around the block" when it comes to the martial arts, so praise coming from you is high praise indeed. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Although I didn't have a Ronin prototype to show at the class, I did snap a photo before I had to give it back to Sal. Check out the attached image.

Stay safe,



mike j

Hey Mike,
Thanks for the pic, it looks great. Seems funny to see a Ronin pointing to the left. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Hey Sal,
I'll second Satori question, when can we order/pre-order/get-on-the-list for Ronins?

Hey Satori,
Very cool you could make it to MBC 3&4, wish I could have made it, I would have liked training with you again. Hope to see you in the future.

Gavin

Edited by - Mr.Skin on 3/19/2002 7:56:43 AM

That Spyderco Ronin is a must-have knife. I hope it will be out soon.

Leo

Hi Mr. Skin. I guess you can place an order with whomever you get your Spyderco. I don't know if the new model has been listed in the computer yet.

sal

Sal;
Can we place an order with the Spyderco factory outlet?

Factory store said the Ronin will be out in June.

I am very pleased with the Spyderco's Ronin and hope to be able to order it somehow. The only complaint (or rather a wish): I expected a Ronin to appear in BG-42 steel (as in the original Snody/Janich version). Nothing wrong with the VG-10, but BG-42 is a high-tech steel, and VG-10 is 'just used for garden tools' (if you allow me to be a little bit snobbish). In fact, I would like to have something FROM SPYDERCO in BG-42. It was announced a few times to happen (Military Jr., Lil's Temperance) ... I am still waiting ...

Regards,

Franco

I don't think that we're taking orders yet.

Hi Franco. BG42 models would have to be made in our Golden Factory. The Golden factory is currently quite far behind with several new models also waiting in line (like the "ParaMilitary" [Mil jr's finally got a real name]). We felt that we could get the Ronin model to the marketplace much sooner and at a better price point if we made the knife in Seki. Currently VG-10 is one of the best production knife steels made in Japan.

VG-10 has proved quite acceptable in; edge retention (better than ATS-34, not as good as CPM steels), in corrosion resistance, better than most exotic steels) and toughness. It is my believe that the VG-10 model will be quite well received by those that know enough about knife design to appreciate the highly refined thought that Janich and Snody put into this model.

sal

Hi Franco.

Personally I think VG-10 is a good choice for an MBC knife.
If you are going to use the knife for purely MBC situations then the chances are that you wont be using it long enough for it to dull.

Another important consideration is that BG-42 is a real bugger to sharpen, I had to use my dimond rods in order to profile it. Also with so many strokes needed to sharpen it, it's difficult not to get a slightly rounded profile on the secondary bevel.
My VG-10 knives are some of the sharpest I own.

There's a hole in the sky where the rain comes in, it's a very small hole that's why rain's so thin - In memory of the Goons

Mike, great review of Ronin in Aug. Tactical Knives magazine.

Dear Mort:

I'm glad you liked the Ronin article. Unfortunately, TK deleted the reference I made to the Spyderco factory version of the knife, but I'm sure folks will put 2 and 2 together when the knife is available.

With regard to the knife steel issue, I have been very pleased with the VG-10 knives I've used and, for a neck knife, really like its corrosion resistance. Since Mike Snody will continue to make custom versions of the knife, perhaps his choice of steel (BG-42) and the original grind (single hollow grind, chisel edge) will help set the production and custom knives apart and provide something for everyone.

Thanks to everyone for your interest in the design and especially to Sal for providing the authoritative inside scoop.

Stay safe,

mike j

The TK article has really made me want a Ronin. However, since the custom version is not to be had and the Spyderco version is still a few months away, has anyone had any experience or handled Mike Snody's Facilitator neck knife. It is similiar in design but not quite as refined. Any thoughts?

Edited by - 357Sig on 4/11/2002 6:51:46 AM

Mike,

Do you know what happened to Bob Kasper's column in TK.

Thanks,

Fred

Dear Mort:

In talking with Bob, he explained that the editorial "direction" that TK wanted him to take with the column was not consistent with the actual tactics he teaches and believes in. I guess they wanted a bunch of "what if" situational scenarios, each solved by judicious use of sharp steel. Rather than compromising his principles, Bob elected to step down and let someone else pick up the column. It's now in Jerry Van Cook's hands. Jerry is a great guy, a very talented knife player, and an extremely street-savvy person. Although I will miss Bob's columns, I know Jerry will do a great job and share some rarely-seen information on practical knife craft.

Stay safe,


mike j