Dojo Pro Wakizashi Model #3

I purchased the scratch and dent version, but there is neither a scratch, nor a dent that I can find. Right off the bat, I am not an expert. This is a modern blade, and not an antique with papers. This hobby is highly subjective, and the highlights of my collection may be the worst ones in your collection. Thst being said, this wakizashi is beautiful. The bohi is perfectly symmetrical. The Dojo Pro sageo is amazing, and is on a level only seen on much higher priced blades. I display all my katanas, wakizashis and tantos on my walls, with each blade being displayed using 2 wooden display mounts. This is my 10th wakizashi (third from Ronin) and this is the only one that needs an extension, when it comes to the display mounts. The tsuba is bigger, and it hit the wall when I attempted to display it in the manner I have become accustomed to. This was very easily solved with a wood spacer between the wall and the mount, which creates a slightly bigger gap from the wall. In no way is this a mark against the wakizashi. It is simply an honest review of the product. As we all know, a stranger's opinion/ review online is ALWAYS the decision maker when it comes to you being on the proverbial fence to buy one or not. With that in mind, don't think about it, just buy it, you'll love it. I'll close with a lesser known quote from Abraham Lincoln: "Trust that guy on the internet, you will not be let done like I have become with this play and....." *Scholars have argued to this day on what he was going to say further, but the gist of his logic is plain as day.

Sharp, good quality, my only complaint is that the fuchi and kashira are kind of boring and the paint is easily worn off on them. Other than that it is a fantastic blade

Having done a fair amount of research into which Wakizashi I should buy, I eventually found myself trying to decide between another Wakizashi in 9260 spring steel, and this particular piece. Though the appeal of the 9260 was great, the fittings were lacking in comparison to the #12, and so I hesitantly decided to go with the latter. ... And I couldn't be happier. This piece is rock solid in all regards. The blade, bearing a Bo-hi, feels far less heavy than I feared it would be based on the aforementioned research, yet still possesses a weight distribution that makes cutting with it quite natural. The blade passed the paper cutting test with flying colors. The Tsuba is perfectly sized, unobtrusive, and light. The Tsuka Ito could pass for being nailed to the Tsuka for how solid it feels. The Bo-hi absolutely sings as you swing the blade, and is routed all the way up through the Kissaki, as it should be. The Saya is light, but not cheap-feeling, and is a perfect lock fit to the textured Habaki. Beyond that, there is very little unecessary wiggle room within; practicing draw cuts with this piece was worlds different from another blade I bought that came with a much more poorly fitted Saya. If I've left any doubts about how I feel about this piece, let me summarize with this: I fully intend to purchase another.

If used properly, this wakizashi is an excellent entry level dojo cutter. The blade strength, as well as the weight of the sword, fall into an acceptable category when using as a training wakizashi. The sword looks nice, and seems to be sturdy after a few sessions of bamboo cutting. For the price, this is a solid purchase, and I'm am more than happy to have only spent $300 on this item. I purchased this item from Ronin's website, but researched my purchase on the Sword Buyers Guide website. I will most certainly check Ronin Katana's supply when searching for my next dojo Katana. Cheers Jon