Ronin 2 Overview [Pic Heavy]

[Liquid Cobra]

Today I received my new Ronin 2. I have been waiting for the release of this knife ever since I first heard rumours about it a few years ago at a knife show. I can't remember if it was blade or SHOT. When the first images appeared in the Amsterdam thread I have to be honest and say I was a little disappointed. It looked nothing like the original Ronin and almost seemed boring looking in comparison. Well I am glad to say that yes, it is kind of a boring knife and that boring is a good thing. This knife is meant to be an affordable no frills working mans defensive knife and it succeeds. The Ronin 2 is thin, light and affordable. Pretty much all the things you would want in a knife that you are going to have on your person day in, day out. If it gets too banged up, oh well it didn't cost a fortune so there is no reason to feel guilty.

Today I'm feeling a bit under the weather so I apologize for the quality of the photos, I was trying to work quickly. But since I was so excited to get my hands on it, I figured why put this off until tomorrow. I'm probably the first person in Canada to own one of these so I wanted this up quick lol.

On to the overview.





I had read that the knife was originally created by tracing a Yojimbo 2 which made me think that they would be about the same size. They are. However, you get a bit more cutting edge out of the Ronin 2.









The Ronin 2's blade is thinner than the Yojimbo 2 which I like, makes for a better slicer. YMMV.



One of the other major differences between the two knives is the width of the handle. I didn't expect the handle on the Ronin 2 to be so thin. At first it kind of rubbed me the wrong way, but it makes sense to me now. The knife should be thin so that it is easier to carry. This photo doesn't do the difference in thickness justice.

[Liquid Cobra]

The kydex sheath is well..a kydex sheath. There isn't anything fancy or different about this sheath that sets it apart from other kydex sheaths. The important things are here. It holds the knife securely in place, and I can draw from it with my hand in the proper grip without adjusting afterwards, be it regular or reverse grip. This is the first time I've tried out the G-clip and I really like it. It is easy to adjust and seems well built. At first I tried wearing the knife on my left side (I'm right handed) for a cross draw but that didn't really do it for me. So I adjusted the clip and am trying it on my right side instead. I'm sure I'll adjust it again for a different position later on. The nice thing is that the adjustment for a different position takes seconds. It will probably end up on one of my packs.











The Yojimbo 2 fits my hand nicely, so it is no surprise that the Ronin 2 does as well. In one of the pictures above it looks like the Ronin 2's handle is smaller than the Yojimbo 2, but thats just the G10 part. The guard helps add some room. I wear a large size glove btw.





I think this is my first Taipei made Spyderco and I'm impressed with the fit and finish (for the most part). There are grind marks here and there but no big deal. There are no sharp edges on the knife (except for the business end of the blade :p ), the G10 has been rounded off and isn't overly grippy. Probably so that it isn't like sandpaper on your skin. The knife was sharp when it arrived, but not as sharp as I would like so I put it on the Sharpmaker and after a couple minutes its hair popping sharp. I think the choice to go with BD1 steel was a good one. It helps keep the price down which I like. I've been buying a lot of Spyderco's in the 200+ range lately. I got this guy from Knifeworks for 80 bucks.

Anyway, this is just an overview. I've only owned the knife for a few hours so a review isn't something I'm qualified at this point to do. This post is more of an FYI, for those on the fence or those who were curious to see it from a few different angles with some thoughts thrown in. Basically, if you are a fan of the Yojimbo 2, you will like the Ronin 2. As long as you don't mind fixed blades!

Thanks for looking!

[RexGig0]

Thanks for posting! :)

[tvenuto]

Even though the pics aren't artsy they convey the size/shape very well, thanks for posting. This is a great overview and will certainly help people make up their mind to try one out. I'm with you on the looks, the smaller scales, larger blade, softer lines, all coupled with a smaller hole give a "toucan-like" appearance that I find to be a bit goofy. I can appreciate that it's all go and no show, however.

I wonder how long until we see a custom handle job on one of these? I assume the scales are not epoxied on.

[SpyderNut]

Thanks for posting the pics and review! I especially appreciate the "in hand" pics. Looks like it would be a useful blade in the kitchen, too.

[gbelleh]

Thanks for the overview and pics!

[farnorthdan]

Thanks for review and pics LC, this one is very tempting, especially at that price point.

[twinboysdad]

Def have to choose between this or the Aqua Salt. Both will be general use if purchased

[Able Dog]

Thank you for the overview and pictures. I was concerned about the proportions of this knife, but seeing it alongside the Yo2 eases those concerns. It looks every bit as comfortable in hand as the Yo2.

I really want to pick one up now. Before or after buying the Mickey Yurco custom is the only question I have now.

[Liquid Cobra]

Thanks for the kind words fellas. I've had the knife on my hip since I got it and I have to say I'm pretty surprised at how much I like carrying it. It's really light and out of the way until I need it.

Funny how carrying a fixed blade makes me feel so much more "aware" that I'm carrying a knife on me. I usually have at least two at all times and think nothing of it. I strap this thing on and it feels like I'm trying to get away with something. I guess it reminds me of when I first started carrying a knife. Im sure I'll get used to it with time.

Def have to choose between this or the Aqua Salt. Both will be general use if purchased

I was very interested in the Aqua Salr before, but it's a must have for me now after getting the Ronin 2. Fixed blades are fun lol. I just got a Pacific Salt SE, so I think ill try PE on the Aqua.

[Mr.Sparkitle]

Knife looks really good. Would you be able to get some picks of it being worn with the sheath. Just to show some carry options or opinions on how you think it should be carried and accessed. Thanks for the original post, really makes me want one of these now.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Thanks for pics....I have been on the fence about getting one....My love for the Original Ronin has never faded, that said after seeing your detailed pics...I think I'm gonna pass on this one.....Doc:)

[HarleyXJGuy]

Knife looks really good. Would you be able to get some picks of it being worn with the sheath. Just to show some carry options or opinions on how you think it should be carried and accessed. Thanks for the original post, really makes me want one of these now.

I second this, pics worn please.

It can be worn inside the wasteband correct?

[Michael Janich]

Thank you for the review and the photos, as well as your enthusiasm for the design. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out and hope your knife serves you well!

Stay safe,

Mike

[GoldenSpydie]

Thanks for the review, LC. I don't really have a use for a Ronin, but it seems like a great value for those that want it.

[Liquid Cobra]

Thanks for the kind words again fellas. I'll try to get some pics of the knife on my belt.

[Milkman]

Thanks for pics....I have been on the fence about getting one....My love for the Original Ronin has never faded, that said after seeing your detailed pics...I think I'm gonna pass on this one.....Doc:)

Yo' Doc

What are the differences between the original Yojimbo/Ronin and the second revisions that make you want to pass the newer versions up? Just curious.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Thanks for pics....I have been on the fence about getting one....My love for the Original Ronin has never faded, that said after seeing your detailed pics...I think I'm gonna pass on this one.....Doc:)

Yo' Doc

What are the differences between the original Yojimbo/Ronin and the second revisions that make you want to pass the newer versions up? Just curious.

Ay Milkman;
Both originals had flat grinds ( translates to less drag and felt resistance through targets and they both made very long and deep wound channels)....The original Yo had a (strange looking handle to some), but it facilitated the use of a Filipino style grip, this in turned allowed the last three fingers of the hand to better control the knife, also divots in the G-10 Handle and hole in the clip really helped in rapid grip positional changes. The original Ronin seems to fit my hand like a glove....and because of the neutral handle shape I am able to use the knife in a variety of grips comfortably. I am fond of using the original Ronin in a RGEI style. The ability of the Ronin to function in this role was well documented by End Line Users on the various knife forums when it was first released, and thereafter....I wouldn't even attempt to use the Newer versions with that grip...It would kinda hurt your hand... ..The Original Ronin was one of the most versatile small bladed knives produced for Self Defense (regardless of grip style used). To be perfectly honest, I still haven't seen anything that can remotely match it's prowess in that small of a package.......Doc:)

[gbelleh]

And the original Ronin was soooo good looking...



:D

[Spyder-Monkey]

Original Ronin was before my time but it appears the Ronin 2 is a bit of a backward step in looks, but also a pretty big step forward in terms of functionality.