The Rukus lives up to the expectations we have of Benchmade knives: thoughtfully designed, meticulously assembled, first-rate materials, good balance, and strength. The Rukus has all of these characteristics, ESPECIALLY STRENGTH! This knife is solid as a brick. I prefer fixed blades to folders because of their strength, superior balance (when properly designed) and greater user safety. I wanted a large folder for situations when a fixed blade knife was not permitted or would attract unwanted attention. As a stand-in for a fixed blade the Rukus holds up very well.
Though not an assisted opening knife, the action is smooth and easy to operate with either hand. Lock up is decisive and SOLID, with no wobble between blade and handle in any direction even in hard use. There is no way this bad boy is going to accidently close on your fingers, unless you have done something stupid like messed around with the Axis-lock mechanism (so don't do that)! The S30V steel blade takes a very sharp edge with just a few passes over the stone and holds it well. The G10/micarta scales are thick, tough, and handsome, and provide good control even when wet or dirty (essential in any knife intended for rugged outdoor work). The pocket clip works well, allowing the knife to ride low in the pocket or on a belt, but does not interfere very much with a good, comfortable grip. The clip is removable and reversible for left or right carries, but not for tip down carry. (The tip up carry does not bother me, but I know some of you guys don’t like it.) Balance is good, with center of gravity about three centimeters back of the hilt. I like a knife to balance back towards the center of my palm because it allows easier control. If you use your blades more aggressively, you might prefer a center of gravity closer to the blade tip, to facilitate chopping motions. (Personally, if I need to chop, I reach for an axe, not a knife, but hey, that’s just me.)
Still, there are some negatives, in my opinion. This is a bulky, heavy folder. If you want a knife that disappears into your pocket and lets you forget about it until you need it, keep looking; the Rukus is not your best choice. Handle ergonomics are O.K., but the relatively straight, boxy form is inferior to the more contoured, "hand friendly" handles found on Benchmade's Griptilian, Deja Voo, and other (in my opinion) better shaped tools. I do not look forward to using this knife for long periods in cold weather, where those beveled handle corners will be less comfortable than a more contoured handle would be. I also regret Benchmade’s decision to include finger groves in the underside of the handle. While these do enable the user to grip the tool with less chance of it getting away from him or her, it only does so when the fingers are properly lined up in the groves. This will require some users to shift the tool back and forth in their hand before they get maximum purchase. Without these finger groves the user could just grab it and go straight to work.
Bottom line: I like this knife and enjoy using it. I was looking for a large, heavy folder for camping and potentially, outdoor survival and this knife fits the bill nicely. It is a knife you can carry in the most rugged situations with confidence that it will never let you down when the going gets rough. However, it is not well suited (in my opinion) for casual carry or common, light to medium duty use. I would also not take it backpacking: too heavy! For those applicaions less would definitely be more.
Though not an assisted opening knife, the action is smooth and easy to operate with either hand. Lock up is decisive and SOLID, with no wobble between blade and handle in any direction even in hard use. There is no way this bad boy is going to accidently close on your fingers, unless you have done something stupid like messed around with the Axis-lock mechanism (so don't do that)! The S30V steel blade takes a very sharp edge with just a few passes over the stone and holds it well. The G10/micarta scales are thick, tough, and handsome, and provide good control even when wet or dirty (essential in any knife intended for rugged outdoor work). The pocket clip works well, allowing the knife to ride low in the pocket or on a belt, but does not interfere very much with a good, comfortable grip. The clip is removable and reversible for left or right carries, but not for tip down carry. (The tip up carry does not bother me, but I know some of you guys don’t like it.) Balance is good, with center of gravity about three centimeters back of the hilt. I like a knife to balance back towards the center of my palm because it allows easier control. If you use your blades more aggressively, you might prefer a center of gravity closer to the blade tip, to facilitate chopping motions. (Personally, if I need to chop, I reach for an axe, not a knife, but hey, that’s just me.)
Still, there are some negatives, in my opinion. This is a bulky, heavy folder. If you want a knife that disappears into your pocket and lets you forget about it until you need it, keep looking; the Rukus is not your best choice. Handle ergonomics are O.K., but the relatively straight, boxy form is inferior to the more contoured, "hand friendly" handles found on Benchmade's Griptilian, Deja Voo, and other (in my opinion) better shaped tools. I do not look forward to using this knife for long periods in cold weather, where those beveled handle corners will be less comfortable than a more contoured handle would be. I also regret Benchmade’s decision to include finger groves in the underside of the handle. While these do enable the user to grip the tool with less chance of it getting away from him or her, it only does so when the fingers are properly lined up in the groves. This will require some users to shift the tool back and forth in their hand before they get maximum purchase. Without these finger groves the user could just grab it and go straight to work.
Bottom line: I like this knife and enjoy using it. I was looking for a large, heavy folder for camping and potentially, outdoor survival and this knife fits the bill nicely. It is a knife you can carry in the most rugged situations with confidence that it will never let you down when the going gets rough. However, it is not well suited (in my opinion) for casual carry or common, light to medium duty use. I would also not take it backpacking: too heavy! For those applicaions less would definitely be more.
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