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Reviews and Ratings for Spartan Blades Field Grade Tu Lam Ronin Shoto Folding Karambit Knife 2.5" 154CM Black TiNi Tanto Blade, Textured Black G10 Handles with Pinky Ring - SFBL9BK
Spartan Blades Field Grade Tu Lam Ronin Shoto Folding Karambit Knife 2.5" 154CM Black TiNi Tanto Blade, Textured Black G10 Handles with Pinky Ring (6 reviews)
This is the most well thought out folder I've ever owned. It is also one of the most substantial. Beefy describes it. The tanto point and karambit handle are an excellent combination for a tactical folder. The tanto blade is designed for superior thrusting and the ring on the karambit handle provides a good grip when body fluids become an issue. The fact that this blade was designed by a former Green Beret speaks volumes when it comes to its tactical efficiency in performance. If you are looking for a beautifully performing fighting folder, then invest in the Shoto. You'll never regret it.
Spartan Blades Field Grade Tu Lam Ronin Shoto Folding Karambit Knife 3.25" CTS-XHP Black TiNi Tanto Blade, Textured Black G10 Handles with Pinky Ring
The Ronin Shoto from Spartan is the most well thought out fighting blade I've seen in a long time. It is a beefy knife with a thick Tanto point and very grip - positive G- 10 handles. The finger ring provides excellent grip when hands are wet. The Emerson Wave on the blade takes a bit of time to learn, and I have found that it will bite fingers if the draw is not excecuted properly. I would like to see a training video for the draw technique. Overall, the knife is thickly built and strong but quite agile. The proportions of the knife, the balance and quality of the materials it is made of are as close to perfect as you can get. As a serious student of defensive blades, I would highly recommend the Ronin Shinto to anyone in the military, law enforcement, or any defense minded civilian.
Spartan Blades Field Grade Tu Lam Ronin Shoto Folding Karambit Knife 3.25" CTS-XHP Black TiNi Tanto Blade, Textured Black G10 Handles with Pinky Ring
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M.E.
Jul 20, 2022
Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material
Cons: None
Chunky
I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to knives and steels, but I like this kind of knife and own several, well, let's call them "pocket-deploying non-hawkbill-karambits" (tantos and drop-points). This is the one I carry the most; it's my EDC in fact. That's because it feels significantly more solid than my others, with a larger and longer blade in a better steel. It's not as ergonomic a fit in my hand as the others, the design feels less refined somehow, and yet I find it to be the most reassuring to carry and hold. Part of that is probably just the weight: it's noticeably heavier than others. This doesn't bother me personally when I have it in my jeans pocket, and it gives it a more solid feel in the hand. The thicker liners also give me a little more confidence in the lock. The blade swings out smoothly, but not freely: opening it with your thumb is an easy but deliberate motion. The clip has good retention without making it too hard to draw from the pocket. The liner lock is stiff and doesn't have easy access, but that's fine with me; some "non-knife-guys" have trouble with it at first, but personally I have no issue disengaging the liner lock using either thumb's nail. The pocket deployer works well, and doesn't jab your pinky as badly as some when you grip the knife with the blade closed thanks to the more rounded tip (although the exposed blade spine is not the most comfortable in that kind of grip). The G10 has decent texture. The handle feels OK in just about any grip that I've tried, though the finger groove does want me to scrunch up my fingers just a bit more than I would like - if your fingers are fatter than "average" then the grip might not quite work for you. It's not perfect, but overall I feel it's the most practical carry knife for me, at least that I've found so far.
Spartan Blades Field Grade Tu Lam Ronin Shoto Folding Karambit Knife 3.25" CTS-XHP Black TiNi Tanto Blade, Textured Black G10 Handles with Pinky Ring
2Knives
Kempton, Pa.
Oct 29, 2022
Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material
Cons: Lock Ease of Use
Nice niche knife...not sharp
If you need a quick opening, reverse grip hide out, this is your blade. Sits high in your pocket out of sight. The knife is so small you forget it is there. Opens easily with the "Emerson" type opener and the smallish finger loop The blade feels strong although only three inches long. The liner lock is stiff but is beginning to work easier with more use. My only complaint is the blade came unfinished. It is sharp enough to cut yourself but too dull to shave with or cut paper. This is annoying due to the price of the knife.
Spartan Blades Field Grade Tu Lam Ronin Shoto Folding Karambit Knife 3.25" CTS-XHP Black TiNi Tanto Blade, Textured Black G10 Handles with Pinky Ring
Graeme
MN
Dec 09, 2022
Pros: None
Cons: None
I really like it but?
I got the knife mainly after I saw that Tu Lam was involved in the design. I use it as an EDC. I like the feel of the knife in my hand. I usually carry 2 knives one for tasks and one as a back up and a weapon if needed, This is what Shoto knife is for. The issue I have is the same as the other people who have commented, it was not very sharp when it arrived. I did correct that issue. I have been carrying it everyday since I sharpened it. The Emerson wave feature is nice for quick opening out of your pocket. I prefer the Tanto blade to my other Krambit style knives.
Spartan Blades Field Grade Tu Lam Ronin Shoto Folding Karambit Knife 3.25" CTS-XHP Black TiNi Tanto Blade, Textured Black G10 Handles with Pinky Ring
M
Earth
Apr 06, 2023
Pros: Blade Material
Cons: Handle Feel, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type
Another project rather than a usable knife as delivered.
Obviously primarily for defense. Tip rides very high with pinkie in ring requiring a very weak wrist position that still doesn't bring the tip down enough. Stiff opening as delivered -- glad it has the wave opener but not sure that will ever work out. I may need to do 2 major mods for this to work: 1) remodel the ring to not be thick and clunky, and to move it 2-3" towards where the blade swings out so the tip faves out front with the wrist in a strong position!: and 2) make a kydex sheath with good retention that will allow the knife to be carried open because as is, it's too slow at least in my damaged hands. Knife came completely dull except the very tip. That should not happen. The CTS-XHP IS LIKELY TO BE SLOW TO GRIND BUT I'M SURE I CAN BRING IT UO TO SHARP. I may be able to make it work with those extensive mods. The ring mod looks to be a tough one due to the sandwich construction but I think it's doable. The kydex work may be reasonably straightforward.
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Close-up of hand holding knife, opening or unsheathing knife, and then closing or sheathing knife.
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