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Thread: Ronin Sakura blade?

  1. #51
    Site Supporter Totem Polar's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by feudist View Post
    Got mine today. Very nice! Heavier than I expected.
    Very cool, for the money. I’m glad I picked up a couple.
    ”But in the end all of these ideas just manufacture new criminals when the problem isn't a lack of criminals.” -JRB

  2. #52
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    Quote Originally Posted by RevolverRob View Post
    I'll just shoot the straight shit - What Tu Lam knows about knives and practical knife combat could fit into a thimble with room left over. I respect the man's service but fifteen minutes of watching him talk about knives and training techniques tells me that everything he knows about blade application is theoretical not based on practice and application. He has been busily turning his service record into a lucrative training business for wannabe Green Berets and that's all well and good, but what he teaches has exceptionally limited application and minimal reality based aspects to it.
    So...

    You watched a video (YouTube?) for 15 minutes and that is the basis for your opinion and perhaps unnecessary "digs" regarding successfully converting his military career and training/experiences (of which you know nothing of) into a respectable civilian occupation and business?

    And your credentials are...?

    That said - first and foremost the Sakura is a well considered, designed, and manufactured knife. Is it pricey? Absolutely. But if one can afford it and has her/his own reasons for wanting one - like buying a Wilson Combat .45 over a serviceable and solid .45 caliber "whichever" - it's a buyer/user marketplace.

    Knives with a finger ring feature have been around for centuries. Like any other form of equipment they have their good points and bad. Bottom Line Up Front - "Use what you know and know what you use". The Sakura is as promoted - an EDC that is minimal in blade length (double edged or single), light, compact, and well made. At 3.5" in blade length it is an effective edged weapon for thrusts/insertions into soft tissue areas such as the calves, hips, hands, forearms, upper arms, throat area, lower stomach/belly, face. An insertion co-occurring with a full or partial slash during withdrawal of the blade from the wound can sever an artery (e.g. inner upper thighs) and that leads pretty swiftly to blackout and death.

    In reality, a single insertion (or as you term it, "stab") can end a confrontation right there and then - and not lethally. Self-defense if you have to use a weapon (e.g. knife) in the US is to stop the aggressive, potentially maiming/disfiguring/death producing assault on you. A good insertion can/will produce pain compliance and sometimes "instant sobriety/clarity" on the attacker's part. In short, and pardon the pun, 3 1/2" inches of sharpened steel punched through your palm just might induce you to cease, desist, and run away.

    In military CQB, or Close Quarter Battle, if the knife (any knife) is relied upon the engagement is necessarily extremely violent and swift from start to finish. As in 2-5 seconds if you're facing a trained and determined opponent whose intent is to take you out permanently. Scenarios include deployment of the knife in extremely tight quarters (either environmentally or "head/knees/elbows" range) with break-contact-engage with sidearm/rifle...or simply within a range of commitment (there are four such ranges; kicking/arm's length/head-knees-elbows/ground) where the knife is the primary means of attack or defense.

    A well trained individual, and oft times anymore experienced individual, can and will deliver as many debilitating insertions/slashes/pommel strikes as fast as possible to take her/his opponent out of play. As the Filipino combative arts teaches "Three strikes and the man is down". There is truly no such thing as an extended "knife fight". Situational awareness may include multiple attackers, reinforcement, and/or pressing forward with an assault or breaking contact / escape and evasion.

    Oh, and that's what Tu Lam teaches depending on the make up of his classes student wise.

    The chances of the ring on the Sakura, once properly trained with (and training is a never ending process just like Selection is) somehow injuring one's inserted finger are minimal at best. Especially if the hand is gloved (which the ring is designed to allow). First, you're trained and training with the knife; Second, the knife is encased in your hand and held - literally - in a death grip anyway; Third, the attacking/defending cycle is swift, 2-5 seconds; and lastly...you don't have to utilize the ring feature to begin with.

    Note: In scenarios where the knife is first brought into play to distract/break contact and transition to another weapon (e.g. firearm) or to simply evade/retreat it is possible and likely the knife, once inserted, will be abandoned in the wound or dropped upon withdrawal as the transition cycle begins.

    In conclusion - the Sakura is a well considered edged option and its designer, Tu Lam, is likewise as a CQB instructor.

    As for "wanna be" Green Berets I imagine there are as many of those out there on the mats as there are wanna-be knife experts on the Internet...just say'in.

    Finally, from one of my Special Forces brothers with far more combat deployments than I was able to collect, his thought process about knives focused on mission requirement. He had an inventory of inexpensive fixed blades and folders that he could, if necessary and in the right environment (e.g. urban) use as throw-aways; and more well made and expensive knives he could/would use per the mission set and his experience in the region/environment/situation at hand. Therefore your suggestions of other models/makers and price range is qualified per the above - with the Sakura (as an example) fitting into an entirely different planning and mission thought process if affordable.

    It's the individual, trained or untrained, experienced or inexperienced, behind the weapon system that makes the difference, not the weapons system itself. Sheer grit and never quitting combined with the desire to survive live most often determines who lives and who dies.

    Which is what Tu Lam also teaches.

    De Oppresso Liber!
    Last edited by LittleLebowski; 02-06-2019 at 06:52 AM.

  3. #53
    Site Supporter Jay Cunningham's Avatar
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    Keeping an eye on this thread.

  4. #54
    The R in F.A.R.T RevolverRob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Malemute View Post
    So...

    You watched a video (YouTube?) for 15 minutes and that is the basis for your opinion and perhaps unnecessary "digs" regarding successfully converting his military career and training/experiences (of which you know nothing of) into a respectable civilian occupation and business?

    And your credentials are...?

    That said - first and foremost the Sakura is a well considered, designed, and manufactured knife. Is it pricey? Absolutely. But if one can afford it and has her/his own reasons for wanting one - like buying a Wilson Combat .45 over a serviceable and solid .45 caliber "whichever" - it's a buyer/user marketplace.

    Knives with a finger ring feature have been around for centuries. Like any other form of equipment they have their good points and bad. Bottom Line Up Front - "Use what you know and know what you use". The Sakura is as promoted - an EDC that is minimal in blade length (double edged or single), light, compact, and well made. At 3.5" in blade length it is an effective edged weapon for thrusts/insertions into soft tissue areas such as the calves, hips, hands, forearms, upper arms, throat area, lower stomach/belly, face. An insertion co-occurring with a full or partial slash during withdrawal of the blade from the wound can sever an artery (e.g. inner upper thighs) and that leads pretty swiftly to blackout and death.

    In reality, a single insertion (or as you term it, "stab") can end a confrontation right there and then - and not lethally. Self-defense if you have to use a weapon (e.g. knife) in the US is to stop the aggressive, potentially maiming/disfiguring/death producing assault on you. A good insertion can/will produce pain compliance and sometimes "instant sobriety/clarity" on the attacker's part. In short, and pardon the pun, 3 1/2" inches of sharpened steel punched through your palm just might induce you to cease, desist, and run away.

    In military CQB, or Close Quarter Battle, if the knife (any knife) is relied upon the engagement is necessarily extremely violent and swift from start to finish. As in 2-5 seconds if you're facing a trained and determined opponent whose intent is to take you out permanently. Scenarios include deployment of the knife in extremely tight quarters (either environmentally or "head/knees/elbows" range) with break-contact-engage with sidearm/rifle...or simply within a range of commitment (there are four such ranges; kicking/arm's length/head-knees-elbows/ground) where the knife is the primary means of attack or defense.

    A well trained individual, and oft times anymore experienced individual, can and will deliver as many debilitating insertions/slashes/pommel strikes as fast as possible to take her/his opponent out of play. As the Filipino combative arts teaches "Three strikes and the man is down". There is truly no such thing as an extended "knife fight". Situational awareness may include multiple attackers, reinforcement, and/or pressing forward with an assault or breaking contact / escape and evasion.

    Oh, and that's what Tu Lam teaches depending on the make up of his classes student wise.

    The chances of the ring on the Sakura, once properly trained with (and training is a never ending process just like Selection is) somehow injuring one's inserted finger are minimal at best. Especially if the hand is gloved (which the ring is designed to allow). First, you're trained and training with the knife; Second, the knife is encased in your hand and held - literally - in a death grip anyway; Third, the attacking/defending cycle is swift, 2-5 seconds; and lastly...you don't have to utilize the ring feature to begin with.

    Note: In scenarios where the knife is first brought into play to distract/break contact and transition to another weapon (e.g. firearm) or to simply evade/retreat it is possible and likely the knife, once inserted, will be abandoned in the wound or dropped upon withdrawal as the transition cycle begins.

    In conclusion - the Sakura is a well considered edged option and its designer, Tu Lam, is likewise as a CQB instructor.

    As for "wanna be" Green Berets I imagine there are as many of those out there on the mats as there are wanna-be knife experts on the Internet...just say'in.

    Finally, from one of my Special Forces brothers with far more combat deployments than I was able to collect, his thought process about knives focused on mission requirement. He had an inventory of inexpensive fixed blades and folders that he could, if necessary and in the right environment (e.g. urban) use as throw-aways; and more well made and expensive knives he could/would use per the mission set and his experience in the region/environment/situation at hand. Therefore your suggestions of other models/makers and price range is qualified per the above - with the Sakura (as an example) fitting into an entirely different planning and mission thought process if affordable.

    It's the individual, trained or untrained, experienced or inexperienced, behind the weapon system that makes the difference, not the weapons system itself. Sheer grit and never quitting combined with the desire to survive live most often determines who lives and who dies.

    Which is what Tu Lam also teaches.

    De Oppresso Liber!
    Edited: Deleted.
    Last edited by RevolverRob; 02-06-2019 at 12:22 PM.

  5. #55
    Member GuanoLoco's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jay Cunningham View Post
    Keeping an eye on this thread.
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  6. #56
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    Sakura Trainer likewise comes with the Sakura

    Quote Originally Posted by GuanoLoco View Post
    Watching
    The Sakura also comes with a red (to distinguish swiftly from the "live" blade) training knife. The trainer likewise fits into the sheath so draws/kinetic retention drills can be practiced.

    And the trainer allows for both group and private training with the knife design which is extremely important. Where training blades have long been available they are most often separate purchase items and not necessarily an emulation of one's carry knife. Ronin Tactics/Tu Lam provided the "total package" with the Sakura and at a quality level that meets the pricing.

    That said, Sakuras can be found on sites such as Arizona Custom Knives which offers pre-owned knives at good prices. Two Sakuras were recently sold by ACK - at prices a bit less than retail and with the trainers.

    For several years now I've owned/used a small fixed blade skinning knife with ring feature made by Oregon knifemaker Gary Griffin. The grip is para-cord wrapped and the classic skinning knife blade design is just under 3", single edged, of course. Kydex sheath. It makes for an excellent daily carry knife and would do fine for self-defense purposes if pressed into that role. Very light and easily concealed on the belt - it draws little attention.

    Gary is also an extremely solid martial artist to include the Filipino KALI and Escrima schools of stick and knife work so he applies that knowledge in the knives he designs and makes, as well.

  7. #57
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    Sakura as impact weapon

    Finally, the ring on the Sakura also serves as an impact feature.

    Meaning it is not necessary to thrust/insert or slash with the blade in a CQB situation. Whether in the forward or reverse grip the ring, or pommel if you will, of the Sakura can be used to induce blunt force pain / pain compliance or to stun if applied to either side of the jaw, forehead, back of skull, or nose. Bear in mind striking the temple on either side of the skull can result in serious and possibly fatal injury as the bone structure in this region is very thin.

    One can also use the ring/pommel to effect an arm bar take-down, for example, or to strike at nerve centers such as on the outer thigh, back of either hand (nerves/bone), top of the foot if light or no footwear is present, and so on. Pain/pain compliance is a good thing and you don't have to break the opponent's skin / cause serious internal physical damage to create it.

    Insertion/slashing techniques can be combined with ring/pommel strikes in swift order. As noted in an earlier post on the Sakura the key is no more than three strikes to negate the Threat. Refining your skill sets with the Sakura training blade helps develop this mindset as well as technique. You can train solo/in private, with a partner, or using training dummies, posts, or the classical "mook" found in many dojos/dojangs.

    This is just an overview of the ring/pommel feature and its application possibilities. Other considerations include developing the draw, speed/violence of attack or counter-attack, targeting (upper/lower/middle gates), angles of attack (the basic 1-5 from the Filipino martial arts work just fine for most), and emotional control/management during the confrontation.

    The design is well thought out, practical in trained hands, compact where mounting or carrying is concerned, extremely well made to include the sheath and trainer, and an edged tool/weapon you can count on if needed.

    I have long recommended Master at Arms James Keating's excellent DVD "Reverse Grip Knife Fighting", or DrawPoint Volumes 1&2 as they are now titled. These are excellent educational references/study programs that lend themselves nicely to better application and training with the Sakura.

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