#because i've always liked the look of the Fenrir Keyblade

[bravewielder]

I have had about enough of all this Braveheart slander.

“But Braveheart doesn’t even fit Riku’s character! It has an ugly bland design.”

Ma’am. I’m gunna have to stop you right there.

Riku has always had Braveheart shining through as early as 358/2 Days (see above ^)... since 2008 !! But we all have to remember that at that time, Riku did not think he was worthy enough to even wield a Keyblade, not even after CoM. That's why it has never properly manifested itself until KH3.

But what about Way to Dawn you ask? Well, listen. I have a theory that, much like how Sora obtained the Kingdom Key from the Light of Riku’s corrupted heart, Riku was able to obtain the Way to Dawn with the help of Sora’s Light. (I also theorize that Destiny’s Embrace was created much the same way for Kairi. But that's to be discussed for another day.) Without Sora being the catalyst, Way to Dawn would probably never be created. It was born out of Riku’s sincere desire to help Sora and his friends, as well as his desire to find his way out of Darkness. So in a way, Way to Dawn was never meant to be his main Keyblade. It was a Keyblade with a practical purpose when it was needed. (I would like to think this is also similar to obtaining Keyblade variants from the worlds you visit when learning new skills)

We also have to take into account that Way to Dawn took design liberties from Soul Eater - a sword (not a keyblade) that was designed by Maleficent, not Riku. Soul Eater, you could say, was a symbol of Riku’s Darkness, and it was from this weapon that Way to Dawn manifested into because Soul Eater was occupying the Kingdom Key’s place. As Nomura has put it: “Keyblades aren't something that you can obtain suddenly out of nowhere so in Riku's case, his Soul Eater was used as an intermediary for that Keyblade [Way to Dawn].”

If we recall back in DDD, Riku was still struggling with the residual Darkness within in him and that he was bothered by the fact that he could still summon the Soul Eater. He still hasn’t accepted himself as a proper Keyblade wielder at that point, not until they’ve finished the Mark of Mastery exams. That's why at the very start of the exams, he said wanted to be tested. He wanted to see if he really was worthy to wield one. Because we have to remember that it was such a huge blow to his ego that his original Keyblade, the Kingdom Key, did not find him worthy enough and that it still chose to go back to Sora.

It was only after the exams that he learns, not only is he still worthy of wielding a Keyblade, but he has also rightfully earned the title of Keyblade Master. At that point, Riku finally got the self-confidence and assurance he needed in order for him to finally bring out Braveheart (albeit off screen). And truly, it takes a lot of bravery to pull out this kind of Keyblade.

Braveheart fits Riku’s character perfectly because it’s modeled after Dimple Keys which are considered to be far more secure that any other kind of key. Their unique dimple patterns and robust, industrial design are more capable of protecting and securing your valuables. Which reflects Riku’s goal of protecting the things that matter. Sure, Way to Dawn was aesthetically pleasing, artful and poetic, but with Riku’s character development throughout the games, I’m pretty sure he’s way passed having that kind of VANITY.

TLDR; Braveheart is a cool Keyblade that fits Riku’s character perfectly. If you don’t like it then Riku will just have to run you over with his Honda Civic.