Doug Ritter Grip

I guess these days it's hard to say how a customs man might interpret something.... There are no issues with buying any standard Benchmade models locally, but of course I want the RSK. We can't buy automatics or Bali Songs anymore though. I was really tempted to stock up while I was working in Portland a couple of years ago! I have never understood the rationale behind allowing a modern one hand folder but not the butterfly knives. Very few people have the ability to do much with the butterfly but anyone can have a pocket clipped folder into action safely and securely in seconds with a bit of practice. I don't think I want to analyze this any further though, since their response would just be to outlaw the folder as well, probably.

Sorry to get off topic. I wanted the RSK because I'm a lefty, I don't own anything with the new steel, and the blade shape is useful and a bit more PC than the AFCK I have now. I may have to see if I can get some help from one of the guys I worked with in the US so I can use the vastly cheaper US shipping.

Wayne
 
Thomas Linton said:
SpyderPhreak said:
Wayne,
Be carefule bringing the Ritter into Canada. Many customs officials might consider an Axis lock a gravity opener.
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:confused: :( :mad:
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I'm just saying that an Axis lock can be flicked open without too much trouble and without touching the Axis bar. From what I've been seeing in posts lately both here and at USN, Canadian customs seems to have been seizing an unusually large number of knives lately with the reason being given as the knives were 'Gravity Openers' (which are illegal there). Most I have read about could be flicked open with some degree of difficulty, as can just about any knife if one was to try hard enough. Even knives that were made in Canada originally have been seized for this reason.

I was just posting a fair warning, no need to get mad about it! :confused: :(

PS - Here is just some proof of what I am talking about.
 
I got my Ritter Grip in the UPS!

Woho!

I was impressed by this knife. It is a Benchmade all the way. Fit, finish and execution is first rate. I actually own Benchmades that I do not like the feel of at all but this is not one of them. It is comfortable and the blade geometery is close to ideal. It reminds me of my Gerber Magnum folding hunter from the 70's. I always liked this width of the blade for wood crafting chores with wood, skinning and camp cooking chores.
I took the Ritter Grip out to do some basic outdoor activities like kindling production, rope and vine trimming and sharpening sticks ect.

EXCELLENT!!

It never really dulled a bit but I stropped it a bit on some clean leather to polish up the edge. I have a nearly bald fore arm from testing this fine knife. I look as though moths have had ahold of me.

LOL

I must say this blade threatens to topple my other locking folders as my EDC, always in my pocket knife. All I can say is excellent job Doug.

All my friends that love the Griptilian but are luke warm over 440 steel are drooling over this Ritter Grip.
 
Not sure how much exposure this question will get, being on the sixth page and all but....

I've seen several posts in this thread that indicate that the blade style on the RitterGrip is well received among the knife aficionados. I'm thinking about picking up the mini RitterGrip, but I would like to hear some opinions from people who have both the RitterGrip and the traditional Grip. Specifically, why is the blade shape of the RitterGrip "better" than the blade shape of the 555/556?

If there's a page on the ETS web site that explains the design philosophy, that'd be cool too :)

Thanks,

Matthew
 
Starfish said:
If there's a page on the ETS web site that explains the design philosophy, that'd be cool too :)
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Matthew,

Please see: http://www.equipped.org/rsk_mk1.htm

Bottom line is this is a very functional utility blade shape that is suitable for both fine work and rough use. It carries more strength to the tip than the relatively narrow point on the standard "modified drop point" as well as providing more belly to the cutting edge which can be very useful for soem tacks and it provides a much more functional pointed tip than the relatively blunt "modified sheepsfoot." Combine the wide-chord design with the high grind and this gives you much improved cutting geometry over either.

Hope this helps.

Doug
 
Critter said:
Matthew,

Please see: http://www.equipped.org/rsk_mk1.htm

Bottom line is this is a very functional utility blade shape that is suitable for both fine work and rough use. It carries more strength to the tip than the relatively narrow point on the standard "modified drop point" as well as providing more belly to the cutting edge which can be very useful for soem tacks and it provides a much more functional pointed tip than the relatively blunt "modified sheepsfoot." Combine the wide-chord design with the high grind and this gives you much improved cutting geometry over either.

Hope this helps.

Doug
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Hi Doug,

Thanks for the response - that page was informative indeed. Comparing the pictures to my 556 (modified drop point), it appears that the blade on the mini-RitterGrip is wider (than the 556). Is this indeed the case?


Thanks,

Matthew
 
Too cool! Now I have to decide between yellow and black, but I'll definitely be picking up a mini. Thanks for listening Doug.
 
At its maximum, yes, the blade is "wider," meaning it is larger dimension from spine to edge. As I don'thave access to my standard Minis, they are still packed somewhere in this mess, I cannot give you an exact difference, I apologize.

Doug
 
WOW! I got my full-sized Ritter Grip today! Ordered it 3 days ago...that was quick!

A great knife for sure...hair popping sharp. My Axis lock is smooth without any grit. Flicks open solidly.

I think my Sebenza will be sitting in the safe for a long while.


Thanks for making a good knife great, Mr. Ritter.
:)
 
Thanks for the compliments on the RSK Mk1. Do, please, take your Sebenza out for a walk now and again. It is too good a knife to be locked away forever. :D

Doug
 
I recently purchased an RSK MK1 and I love it. Best folder I have ever owned and I have owned a few that cost a lot more. S30V is awsome. Don't know if I can every use another steel now ;). As far as the AXIS lock goes, I use both finger and thumb. I never even considered doing it any other way until reading this. It works either way on mine but it is amazingly smooth with the finger + thumb method.
 
Critter said:
Sting,

We have considered the red handle. There are two significant issues. One, the red handle has come to mean a trainer among tactical users, as you note. The obvious danger is that someone might accidentally grab the wrong knife. Two, there's the strength issue. The glass-filled Noryl GTX is extremely strong and rigid and abuse resistant. This allows for the use of the AXIS Lock "cartridge" liners instead of full liners, with obvious benefits. The down side I am told is that it doesn't accommodate the bright dyes needed to color it. On the other side of the issue, the Valox used for the brightly colored knives is not glass-reinforced. Very durable, but not nearly as rigid. This is acceptable for a trainer, but it isn't adequate for real-world use and abuse. On the Mini-Grip this isn't an issue because it has full liners (while not identical, note that the full liners of the Mini-Grip are about the size of the cartridge on the full-sized Grip). So, any lack of rigidity is made up for by those liners. Bottom line, don't expect a colored full-size RSK in the near future, sorry. As some here have noted, a bright lanyard or braided fob is one solution.

Doug
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Hi Doug:

Just to clarify: does the Mini-RSK Mk1 have the full liners you mention above, since it too uses the Valox PBT handle material?

Thanks,

Ted

P.S. Recently got your Pocket Survival Pak -- excellent piece of gear. Thanks.
 
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