Well, what can I say? Two knives are definitely better than one, and for that, there are the GoGun Instant Ronin Double Tanto Knives. But carrying two knives around, albeit short ones, in a peaceful modern world can look needlessly intimidating. The solution? Make the two become one, as the Instant Ronin has done.
A unique sliding mechanism allows the two extended knives* to retract into their own handles and combine into a single compact unit. With the blades completely hidden, the set does not look like a pair of knives at all. It resembles one mysterious object formed by two handles joined together. Nothing suspicious here, officer. Just an unusually complicated metal baton.
Pull the handles apart, however, and the Instant Ronin reveals two sturdy tanto knives. Reuniting them causes the blades to unlock each other and slide back into their respective handles, while invisible integrated magnets keep the closed unit securely together. GoGun describes their stability as comparable to that of a well-made folding knife.
Two years in the making, the Instant Ronin is the brainchild of Jörg Sprave of The Slingshot Channel and Marten Koning. Manufacturing duties fall to Fox Knives in collaboration with Midgards Messer. Each knife features a D2 steel blade and an aluminum handle, while an optional carrying clamp is available for anyone who wants the compact contraption within easy reach.
The GoGun Instant Ronin Double Tanto Knives cost US$499. It has just 5,000 sets to go around, btw. Some words of advice, though. Before turning your daily commute into a wandering-samurai side quest, remember to check your local knife ownership and carry laws.
*Now, paired knives with blades that slide into each other’s handles are not new, but the Instant Ronin appears to be the first with blades twice as long as their handles.
Images: GoGun.