Scratch and Dent Dojo Pro Level Samurai Sword #12

I've always wanted a Katana since I was a child. After watching Shogun the past few weeks, I decided to look into them. I knew I didn't want to break the bank for a piece of wall art. So, all my research kept pointing to Ronin Katana Dojo Pro series for that price point (sub $300). So, I pulled the trigger on a "Scratch and Dent" sword. I'm very glad I did, received very quickly, great condition, solid/sturdy, simple, and cool looking. I couldn't be happier.

Just got my new Dojo Pro #12 and it is awesome! For a Scratch and Dent item it is pretty near perfect. One small bubble in the lacquer on the Saya and 1 mm of wood showing at the koshira end of the samegawa. No one will see it when my fat fingers are wrapped around it. The sword looks and feels great. Up til now I have had low cost swords from Shinwa, Siwode and HMS. My #12 greatly raises my expectations for future katanas.

I've given my purchase 4 of 5 stars because it is a scratched blade, bought on the scratch and dent sale. The scratch is small and doesn't bother me. There is also a small scuff on the saya. I can't find any other issues than these two small superficial flaws. The ito is slightly movable under thumb pressure and the genuine ray skin is two separate panels. There is slight saya rattle. The castings are detailed and overall the materials are of good quality. The blade geometry is consistent and clean. Its spine tapers just slightly toward the tip of the blade, then widens at the end of the fuller before terminating. This creates an interesting 'diamond' shape at the blade's end. My favorite part of the sword is the sound it makes as it swings. Being satisfied with the product, its discounted price, and fast shipping, I ordered a matching tanto to display next to the sword, also from the scratch and dent sale. In conclusion, I received a beautiful blade for a fair price.

I’m at loss. I’ve been looking this thing over for an hour, desperately trying to find the scratch/dent. Can’t find one. Only thing I can see is that there’s like a millimeter of space between the hilt and the saya when sheathed, and I don’t think that’s a problem. Lock up is solid on everything, construction is perfect. I don’t get it. I feel like I just shortchanged Ronin Katana and got away with it. Works for me. This katana is fantastic in every way, a perfect little brother to my Musashi O-Katana, also from RK. Bo-hi balanced it out like a dream. Incredibly happy with this purchase. Would buy again in a heartbeat.

Exceptional! quick shipping, great quality sword, as expected only a few blemishes, sword came a little dull, but easy to sharpen.

I bought this katana from the annual scratch and dent sale. I don’t notice any defect. Very pleased with my new katana. I have a few others in my wish list. Now I’m confident to buy another product from Ronin Katana.

Received my S&D Dojo Pro #12 and I couldn't be happier with my decision. I really went back and forth on whether to get a brand new one or go with the S&D sale opportunity. In my case, I plan on using it quite a bit for training and it made more sense to get something I wouldn't be worried about beating up a little bit. I'm here to tell you that if I hadn't done as much research and really combed over every inch of both the sword and the Saya, I would have been happy to receive the sword I got for full price. Other than a few tiny paint flaws on the Saya, it looks nearly perfect. There may be certain sword making standards in shape or polish that disqualifies these S&D swords to be sold as new that I'm unfamiliar with, but it passed my ocd look over. I was also a bit worried that the sword would be loose in the Saya or rattle, but the one I received fits very tight and feels solid when sheathed. If you want a real deal katana that may save your ass some day, check these out, they're worth every penny in my opinion.

Wow! What a great sword. Scored one in the Scratch and dent sale and I can't find any thing wrong with it. There is a tiny bit of wood showing at the top of the tsuka. I have no complaints and am really happy with this purchase.

You generally hear that most people say you can't find any flaws on a Ronin katana scratch and dent. I found a few. A few marks on the blade, a scuff by the opening. The sword is a little loose when it's in the saya for my taste. Despite that I would buy this again. It's a fantastic sword. Everything about it feels amazing. It's sharp, cuts well. I really enjoy the datanoki style. Only complaint was I wish they had a scratch and dent wakashi.