- Joined
- Nov 4, 2005
- Messages
- 43
I got a Mini Ruckus a few weeks ago and wanted to share my opinion.
Overall it is a pretty nice knife.
It is not very "mini". It is just the right size for a good ECD, but I was surprised at how heavy it is. I really like the blade shape and flat grind profile. I cuts great! and is thin enough that it sharpens easily. The blade is S30v and it seems to hold an edge reasonably well. I have several other blades in S30v and they have thicker profiles and don't cut as well as the Mini Ruckus and are a PITA to sharpen.
The Mini Ruckus is thicker in the handle than I prefer and looks and feels "boxy". Overall the fit is very good, No gaps, things line up, and the tip of the blade is perfectly centered in the handle when it is closed. Finish-wise, it could be better. The edges on the thick handles were basically sharp 90 degree corners and I wound up rounding them off with a Dremel tool and sand paper. They are more comfortable now, but still quite thick. The lanyard hole edges were not chamfered and it just looked and felt rather "industrial". Somewhat disappointing for a $100 plus knife. The balance is very nice and the handle affords a good solid grip. I was concerned about the way it would feel, as I had not found one to handle, before I ordered it. The back of the handle is smaller than the front and it looks like it would slip out of your hand. But, it has a deep forefinger groove, which is right at the balance point, and it feels pretty solid in your hand.
One thing that surprised me is that I thought the thick black bolsters were metal. But when I rounded the edges, I was surprised to find out they were a black micarta type material.
I like the bend of the pocket clip. It is a "low ride", bent over pocket clip and the knife rides nice, low, and is unobtrusive when I carry it in my waistband. Only about the rear quarter inch of the handle sticks up above my waistband. But,...the pocket clip should be thicker or stronger. It is fairly thin and not strong enough to hold the heavy knife. I have heard some people complain that they easily bent the pocket clips. When I undo my trousers, the knife will swing on the clip and I have had it fall off one time. Thankfully, it did not fall into the toilet. It just hit the floor. The low ride of the clip can make the knife a bit more difficult to remove from a carry position than a more standard clip like most Spydercos, just because there is not a lot of knife sticking out to grab a hold of. But I do like how unobtrusive it is when carried.
The ambi thumb studs on the blade are grooved and I have not had any difficulty opening the blade. The axis lock seems to work fine. I have an old Benchmade Griptillion with an axis lock and it seems to require both sides to be pulled back at the same time in order to release. The Mini Ruckus axis lock can be released with a pull on either side.
I like the knife, but have not used it as an EDC at work, because of the weight, the thick handles, and the weak pocket clip. I have continued to carry a Spyderco Endura 4. even though I am not overly fond of the Endura blade profile and how high it rides.
Anyway, Just thought I would share my thoughts for those that may be considering a Mini Ruckus.
Mark
Overall it is a pretty nice knife.
It is not very "mini". It is just the right size for a good ECD, but I was surprised at how heavy it is. I really like the blade shape and flat grind profile. I cuts great! and is thin enough that it sharpens easily. The blade is S30v and it seems to hold an edge reasonably well. I have several other blades in S30v and they have thicker profiles and don't cut as well as the Mini Ruckus and are a PITA to sharpen.
The Mini Ruckus is thicker in the handle than I prefer and looks and feels "boxy". Overall the fit is very good, No gaps, things line up, and the tip of the blade is perfectly centered in the handle when it is closed. Finish-wise, it could be better. The edges on the thick handles were basically sharp 90 degree corners and I wound up rounding them off with a Dremel tool and sand paper. They are more comfortable now, but still quite thick. The lanyard hole edges were not chamfered and it just looked and felt rather "industrial". Somewhat disappointing for a $100 plus knife. The balance is very nice and the handle affords a good solid grip. I was concerned about the way it would feel, as I had not found one to handle, before I ordered it. The back of the handle is smaller than the front and it looks like it would slip out of your hand. But, it has a deep forefinger groove, which is right at the balance point, and it feels pretty solid in your hand.
One thing that surprised me is that I thought the thick black bolsters were metal. But when I rounded the edges, I was surprised to find out they were a black micarta type material.
I like the bend of the pocket clip. It is a "low ride", bent over pocket clip and the knife rides nice, low, and is unobtrusive when I carry it in my waistband. Only about the rear quarter inch of the handle sticks up above my waistband. But,...the pocket clip should be thicker or stronger. It is fairly thin and not strong enough to hold the heavy knife. I have heard some people complain that they easily bent the pocket clips. When I undo my trousers, the knife will swing on the clip and I have had it fall off one time. Thankfully, it did not fall into the toilet. It just hit the floor. The low ride of the clip can make the knife a bit more difficult to remove from a carry position than a more standard clip like most Spydercos, just because there is not a lot of knife sticking out to grab a hold of. But I do like how unobtrusive it is when carried.
The ambi thumb studs on the blade are grooved and I have not had any difficulty opening the blade. The axis lock seems to work fine. I have an old Benchmade Griptillion with an axis lock and it seems to require both sides to be pulled back at the same time in order to release. The Mini Ruckus axis lock can be released with a pull on either side.
I like the knife, but have not used it as an EDC at work, because of the weight, the thick handles, and the weak pocket clip. I have continued to carry a Spyderco Endura 4. even though I am not overly fond of the Endura blade profile and how high it rides.
Anyway, Just thought I would share my thoughts for those that may be considering a Mini Ruckus.
Mark
