So, when I found out the Ronin was discontinued I went upt to Spyderco and grabbed another one. That was 3 weeks ago @ the outside. After about 30 or so practice draws the kydex sheath, not the one they first came w/, became very loose to the point the knife would just fall out. I figured this out when I took off my coat and the Ronin hit the deck. Now it's about 1/8th of an inch shorter and is going to take alot of work before it will puncture anything. I am not saying anything about the new manufacturer of their kydex sheaths but I have about 20 or so kydex sheaths for other knives and have never had this problem, even w/ knives I have had for years. Any thoughts on this one? Ideas as to what Spyderco will say about the knife/sheath?
thanks
Jeff
New Ronin sheaths
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Michael Cook
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Michael Janich
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Dear Jeff:
I'm very sorry to hear about your experience with your Ronin.
To be quite honest with you, the biggest problem with the production version of the Ronin has been the sheath. Because the knives were hand finished in Japan, they are not dimensionally uniform from knife to knife. These slight variances made mass production of the sheaths a real challenge.
The original solution was a steel tension screw that allowed the user to adjust the fit of the sheath to suit his/her needs. This worked well, but the screws were labor intensive as they were ground from pivot-pin screws. A simpler, cheaper solution was then implemented in the form of an aluminum screw post. These did not work very well, so the sheath was changed to a belt-carry style only.
My personal recommendation is to 1) report this to Spyderco and give them the opportunity to replace your Ronin and sheath, and 2) invest in a quality kydex sheath from Mike Sastre or Rob Hummelbaugh. Both do excellent work.
I apologize if the latter recommendation isn't what you wanted to hear. If you find it unacceptable, you might also consider applying your Ronin credit to the purchase of a Yojimbo. It will give you the same cutting dynamics, a stronger tip, and no sheath issues.
I hope this helps.
Stay safe,
I'm very sorry to hear about your experience with your Ronin.
To be quite honest with you, the biggest problem with the production version of the Ronin has been the sheath. Because the knives were hand finished in Japan, they are not dimensionally uniform from knife to knife. These slight variances made mass production of the sheaths a real challenge.
The original solution was a steel tension screw that allowed the user to adjust the fit of the sheath to suit his/her needs. This worked well, but the screws were labor intensive as they were ground from pivot-pin screws. A simpler, cheaper solution was then implemented in the form of an aluminum screw post. These did not work very well, so the sheath was changed to a belt-carry style only.
My personal recommendation is to 1) report this to Spyderco and give them the opportunity to replace your Ronin and sheath, and 2) invest in a quality kydex sheath from Mike Sastre or Rob Hummelbaugh. Both do excellent work.
I apologize if the latter recommendation isn't what you wanted to hear. If you find it unacceptable, you might also consider applying your Ronin credit to the purchase of a Yojimbo. It will give you the same cutting dynamics, a stronger tip, and no sheath issues.
I hope this helps.
Stay safe,
Michael Janich
Spyderco Special Projects Coordinator
Founder and Lead Instructor, Martial Blade Concepts
Spyderco Special Projects Coordinator
Founder and Lead Instructor, Martial Blade Concepts