CRKT Ripple - blue SS handle, Acuto+ steel (PIC HEAVY FIRST IMPRESSIONS)

[Kwon Kwang]

Ladies and gentleman, I received my CRKT Ripple in the mail today. This is the original version, I believe, with Acuto+ steel and a blue TiNi coated 420J handle, frame lock. I procrastinated buying this for far too long, and I eventually was horrified to find that it was discontinued. This is going to be a "first impressions" review.

First off, I don't like the changes CRKT made to the Ripple, and I have no idea why this version was discontinued. Some of you will know my preferences for knives and think "hey, why did that mall ninja buy this knife?" Well, generally I'm a strong advocate of function over form, and performance is the bottom line when I buy a knife. This Ripple is a gorgeous knife, but its looks do not detract from the knife's functionality. The blade shape is a very functional Ken Onion drop point. I don't normally like Ken Onion's designs a whole lot, but he really nailed it with the Ripple. Nice hollow grind and super sharp out of the box. The handle contours well to the hand, and ergonomics are generally pretty good, with functional-but-not-superb jimping.

I like the pocket clip. It'l accept thick fabrics without issue. Tried it. The knife carries well in the pocket and is very thin and very light. I don't have the exact measurements right here for its dimensions, but it weighs 2.9oz. Sweet. The blade is 3.125" long, which is a great length for an EDC blade in my opinion.

Now, the IKBS system is absolutely fabulous, and I would not have bought this knife if it did not have what at first impressions appears to be a revolutionary system, one that I think more knives need to have. My Ripple came with a little bit of side to side play out of box. I tightened it up with my CRKT Torx Get-A-Way Driver. No more wiggle. I expected the knife to open up with more resistance. Instead, I was totally amazed. The Ripple, a manual folder, still flicks open smooth as butter, slick as grease, and locks up with confidence. I'm not generally a huge fan of frame locks, I think they're only a little bit stronger than liner locks, which I don't dig. I think that for a light duty EDC blade (which is the category I consider this knife to squarely exist in), it's perfectly fine and I expect no trouble from it. It is a little difficult to disengage but I expect this get easier as the knife wears in. Lockup is early; I'd ballpark it at around 35%. I expect this lock to last a good long time.

Fit and finish on the handle is not absolutely perfect; the coating looks smeared in a couple of small places. It's not a big deal to me, however. You have to really look for it to find it. Overall, fit and finish is pretty smokin'.

Now, for the pics.

If you want a more extensive review from someone who has extensively used and carried the knife, I apologize. Here is the Nutnfancy review, which I would not have bought this knife without:

[video=youtube;SPZbvVJzcJ0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPZbvVJzcJ0[/video]

Thanks for checking out my thread!

 

[jimh0220]

'Tis a great knife. You need to buy a Swindle next. Even nicer.

 

[Kwon Kwang]

'Tis a great knife. You need to buy a Swindle next. Even nicer.

I just checked that out. I'm digging what I see so far. It looks like a pen when it's clipped to your pocket, and I really dig that, too. Definitely looks like a knife that's worth my money.

I've gotta save my cash though, I'm trying to buy some Spydercos.

 

[Bigfatts]

Congratulations, it seems you got one of the good ones. I've seen both good and terrible examples of this knife. It's a shame that most of the ones I handled were bad examples with only a couple good ones. I agree though, it's a great design. I still carry the liner lock version as my beat around work knife.

 

[SaintlyBrees]

I just checked that out. I'm digging what I see so far. It looks like a pen when it's clipped to your pocket, and I really dig that, too. Definitely looks like a knife that's worth my money.

I've gotta save my cash though, I'm trying to buy some Spydercos.

Also, look at the Eros. It is lighter (only 1.4 oz.!) and has a finer (thinner, more defined) blade than the Ripple and has a Ti handle. Very nice knife.

BTW, I love the Ripple. I have few dups in my collection, but I have 4 Ripples and am looking for a 5th. 2 blue, 1 bronze, 1 black. Perhaps I was just fortunate, but all 4 of mine are perfect. Hoping to find - at a reasonable price - the Ti, USA made, version sold by Ken himself exclusively through Plaza Cutlery. Only a few hundred made and they never seem to be available on the market. I hope he decides to do another run...

But it is a great gents knife and, although the steel could be improved, one of my favorite knifes to carry.

Edit:
The singular issue that I have had with each one is that jimping on the flipper is too sharp and I have had to run a file lightly over the top of the flipper to take the edge off. That was true of all 4.

 

[T.L.]

Cool knife. I especially like the unusual steel.

If you're looking to get a Spyderco next, I'd recommend the Paramilitary 2 if you can get a good price. As close to flawless for the price as you can get.

My next folder is going to be a Benchmade 707 hopefully.

 

[Kwon Kwang]

Also, look at the Eros. It is lighter (only 1.4 oz.!) and has a finer (thinner, more defined) blade than the Ripple and has a Ti handle. Very nice knife.

BTW, I love the Ripple. I have few dups in my collection, but I have 4 Ripples and am looking for a 5th. 2 blue, 1 bronze, 1 black. Perhaps I was just fortunate, but all 4 of mine are perfect. Hoping to find - at a reasonable price - the Ti, USA made, version sold by Ken himself exclusively through Plaza Cutlery. Only a few hundred made and they never seem to be available on the market. I hope he decides to do another run...

But it is a great gents knife and, although the steel could be improved, one of my favorite knifes to carry.

Edit:
The singular issue that I have had with each one is that jimping on the flipper is too sharp and I have had to run a file lightly over the top of the flipper to take the edge off. That was true of all 4.

I personally think the flipper is just fine. I enjoy it. What don't you like about Acuto+? I thought it was a pretty good steel, what with its coarse carbides and similarity to VG-10.

The Eros is quite nice, maybe I'll pick one up once I buy a few more Spydercos if I have some money burning a hole in my pocket.

Cool knife. I especially like the unusual steel.

If you're looking to get a Spyderco next, I'd recommend the Paramilitary 2 if you can get a good price. As close to flawless for the price as you can get.

My next folder is going to be a Benchmade 707 hopefully.

The PM2 is actually on my list already. :thumbup: My next buy is going to be a Calypso, however, or a Buck 110. Heading to Canadian Tire right now to check it out.

 

[Alann45]

Ladies and gentleman, I received my CRKT Ripple in the mail today. This is the original version, I believe, with Acuto+ steel and a blue TiNi coated 420J handle, frame lock.

Definitely the original version. They have not done the new version in blue yet, and don't think they ever did the aluminum version in blue.

IMHO the blue is the most attractive of the lot.

I procrastinated buying this for far too long, and I eventually was horrified to find that it was discontinued.First off, I don't like the changes CRKT made to the Ripple, and I have no idea why this version was discontinued.

They were scarce for awhile, but either CRKT got another run done or they are clearing out what they have left.
The blue was very scarce for several months, but I notice a few sites are listing it as available now.

I'm not sure why they discontinued it.
I think one of the reasons was to stop doing the "pocket-worn" handles. No two every looked the same. I've got several and they all look different.
I have two blues and one shows an attractive "pocket-worn" look, while another I picked up at Blade this year has zero of the "pocket-worn" look, solid blue and also looks nice.

They all vary a great deal in the number of little burrs or overly pointy flippers.

Apparently consistency and qc was a problem with whoever CRKT had making the original Ripples.

I wish CRKT would quit calling every version of this knife by the same name!
You have the original with stainless steel handles, then another with aluminum handles, now a new version.....all with the same name.
Makes its very difficult to discuss them accurately.

 

[brownshoe]

I have the Eros, great knife. Fit and finish is almost perfect. Only problem was the pivot needed some locktite. Acuto+ steel is fine in my book. Holds an edge, no chips or rolls, fine polish.

 

[SaintlyBrees]

I personally think the flipper is just fine. I enjoy it. What don't you like about Acuto+? I thought it was a pretty good steel, what with its coarse carbides and similarity to VG-10...

Each flipper of mine is cut a bit differently, but all 4 were sharp - one could cut paper and was very uncomfortable. Looks to me like the jimping varies and, if cut too close to the top of the flipper, can create an edge.

As far as Acuto+. I didn't say that I didn't like it or that there was anything wrong with it. My specific words were, "although the steel could be improved". This knife would be unreal if the blade used one of the modern supersteels and was offered as a higher end version of the knife. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. The Ripple is made in Taiwan, not China, so selection of steel for the blade would not be as limited as some of the CRKT Chinese models. Nothing wrong with the Acuto+. At this price point, it is actually a nice choice. But, it could be improved understanding that it would also drive the knife to a higher price point.

BTW, the earlier Ripples had more problems than the newer ones. The original batches had enough QC issues that Ken went over to Taiwan to observe and make suggestions to improve the mfg process. It is my understanding that the QC has greatly improved since his visit. This may be why we are seeing a variation in overall quality as observed by Bigfatts. If you look closely at the flipper, however, you can see why a very minor difference in tolerance can still cause sharp edges on the flipper tip. That variation still seems to exist probably because it takes little to cause an issue in that respect.

 

[mjolnir74]

Nice review and pics. I would also recommend the Para2 if you like form following function.

 

[DShiflet]

I have the aluminum Ripple, which I dig. Since I'm a sucker for blue, this one is one that I want to get too.

 

[Alann45]

I have the aluminum Ripple, which I dig. Since I'm a sucker for blue, this one is one that I want to get too.

The aluminum version is darn nice for the price.

If you really want a blue you might not want to hesitate too long. As I mentioned the originals in blue were almost impossible to find for months, but right now several vendors are showing them available. Since the original version is discontinued, I doubt you will see anymore.
So far they haven't done the new version in blue, and I have no idea if they plan too.