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I just ordered my Ritter grip. I can't wait to see it.
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Doug Ritter Grip
- Thread starter al lee
- Start date
The write up in TK was only okay. There was very little use of the knife that was actually covered, although it was some pretty hard use. There were some very nice photographs though.
I've only had my RSK for a week so I can only give my initial impression. It is as Doug has stated "Everything you need, nothing you don't.".
Concerning the "gritty" Axis lock - I say use both thumb and forefinger, you need to keep them out of the way of the blade anyway when closing the knife. I use both thumb and forefinger and keep my other fingers on the clip, I then press the back of the blade against the side my leg to close, this seems very natural and provides excellent control.
Of the few things I have cut so far, I can say it sliced through an piece of elk meat like I was holding a laser beam, with a very tough tendon providing the only resistance. Nothing else worth mentioning yet, although I will be providing a detailed review after about a year of real use.
Thanks Doug for bringing the consumer an excellent product!
I've only had my RSK for a week so I can only give my initial impression. It is as Doug has stated "Everything you need, nothing you don't.".
Concerning the "gritty" Axis lock - I say use both thumb and forefinger, you need to keep them out of the way of the blade anyway when closing the knife. I use both thumb and forefinger and keep my other fingers on the clip, I then press the back of the blade against the side my leg to close, this seems very natural and provides excellent control.
Of the few things I have cut so far, I can say it sliced through an piece of elk meat like I was holding a laser beam, with a very tough tendon providing the only resistance. Nothing else worth mentioning yet, although I will be providing a detailed review after about a year of real use.
Thanks Doug for bringing the consumer an excellent product!
Got my mini this week. no grittiness, just a very smooth well executed quality knife. its very light compared to a small sebbie, but only because of good selection of materials. I think it gives nothing up to the sebbie. I can flick the blade out and back with a little practice FWIW. Its a better slicer than my Spydie native, and the small sebbie. Need to get another!
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My Ritter came yesterday. The lock is very smooth. I can easily open and close it just using my thumb. I really like it. Keep up the good work Doug. A fixed blade would be nice now.
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Well as a result of all this I just HAD to order one too. It should be here Monday. 
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2004
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I picked up a Mini RSK from AeroMedix and happened to luck out and bought a large one from a fellow who wanted to sell his. Both are First Production. Mini 042/100, and MK-1 082/100.
Wow, I liked the Mini when I got it but the large really nestles in the palm just right. It feels guuuud! The blade balance is terrific--they practically jump back into the handle when I unlock the Axis. The scales have a funny hollow sound when you tap them but they are really very sturdy units. No complaints here. A happy little pair
Here's a photo of them. Click to enlarge.
Wow, I liked the Mini when I got it but the large really nestles in the palm just right. It feels guuuud! The blade balance is terrific--they practically jump back into the handle when I unlock the Axis. The scales have a funny hollow sound when you tap them but they are really very sturdy units. No complaints here. A happy little pair
Here's a photo of them. Click to enlarge.
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Critter
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Thanks once again to all of you for the compliments.
With regards future developments and suggestions, all I can say at this time is that we are working diligently on some new stuff, some that many have asked for and others that I think (hope!) many of you will appreciate. I should also note we have decided against some other things that some have asked for; we can't fulfill every wish, even my own.
However, it takes time to figure out what can be done with the resources available and still produce a good value and something to which I am willing to affix my name, then more time to turn those concepts into prototypes, then do testing, refine and adjust the design based on testing, more prototypes and testing, and then hopefully put it into production. Like a fine wine, a good blade cannot be rushed. But, be assured, we are not resting on our laurels and I have no shortage of ideas and suggestions to fuel the future. But, I am learning a lot about patience. Seems everything takes longer than one might wish.
With regards future developments and suggestions, all I can say at this time is that we are working diligently on some new stuff, some that many have asked for and others that I think (hope!) many of you will appreciate. I should also note we have decided against some other things that some have asked for; we can't fulfill every wish, even my own.
However, it takes time to figure out what can be done with the resources available and still produce a good value and something to which I am willing to affix my name, then more time to turn those concepts into prototypes, then do testing, refine and adjust the design based on testing, more prototypes and testing, and then hopefully put it into production. Like a fine wine, a good blade cannot be rushed. But, be assured, we are not resting on our laurels and I have no shortage of ideas and suggestions to fuel the future. But, I am learning a lot about patience. Seems everything takes longer than one might wish.I like it! Got my fullsize Ritter today and really like the handle/blade ratio.
Only thing I found I didn't like was the rough grip lines on the top and bottom of the back end of the handle. I filed them down smooth though and the knife feels very comfy now.
The AXIS feels no better or worse than my BM710 did and after time it became silky smooth so I figure the same will be true of this model.
While the blade edge is not the polished finish I had on my Dalton, it is very sharp. There is a slight dip near the tip on mine from a miss-grind, but only noticeable under heavy scrutiny. It will come out after a few sharpening though so I'm not worried about it.
Yeah it could be higher grade with G10 scales and all, but with the plastic and the "worker" finish on the blade, this knife is gonna get used!
Overall This is a great EDC and with the AXIS I'm not afraid to use it for SD if the need should arise. Thanks Don for bringing us a utility knife that can handle any task for a folder at a great value.
Only thing I found I didn't like was the rough grip lines on the top and bottom of the back end of the handle. I filed them down smooth though and the knife feels very comfy now.
The AXIS feels no better or worse than my BM710 did and after time it became silky smooth so I figure the same will be true of this model.
While the blade edge is not the polished finish I had on my Dalton, it is very sharp. There is a slight dip near the tip on mine from a miss-grind, but only noticeable under heavy scrutiny. It will come out after a few sharpening though so I'm not worried about it.
Yeah it could be higher grade with G10 scales and all, but with the plastic and the "worker" finish on the blade, this knife is gonna get used!
Overall This is a great EDC and with the AXIS I'm not afraid to use it for SD if the need should arise. Thanks Don for bringing us a utility knife that can handle any task for a folder at a great value.
I have always liked the griptilian, but not the 440. When I saw an ad for this in a mag, I just had to have it. Got it, love it, then found this thread. After reading this thread, it seems I've joined the many who love theirs too, and the many who just don't know it yet. Keep up the good work Doug.
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al lee said:
I have two... that is, I had two until yesterday. I bought a standard min-Grip and a Ritter mini-Grip a week apart. I liked the Ritter mini-
Grip so much that I changed to that for my EDC and I gave the 440C mini-Grip to a good friend for his birthday. He's into flying, hiking, and camping and I'm sure it'll get a lot of use. I don't have any kind report from him but I'm fully satisfied with my Ritter mini. Does great for the home / warehouse / hiking chores that I have.
In fact, I've decided that my next BM purchase will be a full-sized Ritter Grip and sheath. I've looked at the D2 models from Cabela's, but I don't like the look or performance of black blades. The coating on the ones I've had (not BM blades, though) has not held up. Besides, I'm satisfied with the S30V steel. I haven't heard that D2 steel outperforms it.
Go ahead... I think you'll like the feel and performance. Mine is a perfect hand fit and is pretty well balanced. It opens easily, the blade tension is adjustable if you want to adjust it, and the AXIS lock is becoming my favorite. It makes the knife easy to open and close with one hand.
Critter
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Not likely, but I've learned never to say never.sodak said:
sodak said:
I have to say that's quite a surprise, both because of my own experience and that of the many who have written to praise the way the blade holds an edge. Please, if you aren't happy with it, send it back to Aeromedix.com for a full refund or replacement, your choice. I'd like to get it back to see if there's some sort of problem. Edge holding is one quality that S30V and this blade in particular excel in.I apologize for the misleading post, I need to remember never to post in haste when I'm trying to get out the door.
:footinmou
The knives in S30V that have disappointed me are from other manufacturers. I have not purchased the RSK. Yet. I must say that given how everyone is posting on this knife, that too might change! I have just received a Spyderco Manix that is showing some promise, but other than that knife, I've felt let down by this steel. I am quite willing to admit that I might have gotten a couple with bad heat treatment, etc. I'm sure BM knows what it is doing. I can't wait to get the D2 folder!
I apologize for seeming to talk badly about this knife. That was not my intent, but in re-reading my post, it sure seems I did. Argh.
:footinmou
The knives in S30V that have disappointed me are from other manufacturers. I have not purchased the RSK. Yet. I must say that given how everyone is posting on this knife, that too might change! I have just received a Spyderco Manix that is showing some promise, but other than that knife, I've felt let down by this steel. I am quite willing to admit that I might have gotten a couple with bad heat treatment, etc. I'm sure BM knows what it is doing. I can't wait to get the D2 folder!
I apologize for seeming to talk badly about this knife. That was not my intent, but in re-reading my post, it sure seems I did. Argh.
Critter
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- Mar 23, 2003
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Sorry if I misunderstood your post. I do take this whole "got my name on it" thing sort of seriously.
Not to worry, I, the folks at Benchmade, and Aeromedix all need to give our heart a jolt every now and then. I prefer other more enjoyable methods, but...
Not to worry, I, the folks at Benchmade, and Aeromedix all need to give our heart a jolt every now and then. I prefer other more enjoyable methods, but...
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Well I've had my full size Ritter for about two weeks now and I have to say it is even better than I thought it would be. Everything regarding the fit and finish is perfect.
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2005
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- 54
The Big Brown truck finally came today with my Doug Ritter knife from Aeromedix and I must say it is probably the best $120 bucks I have spent on a knife. This will be my EDC for awhile as I will not be afraid to put it to hard use.
It came scary sharp right out of the box (just like the outside of the box said it would be), it opens and closes with very little effort and rides easy in all carry positions that I have tried.
Aeromedix was great to deal with also. There was a small problem with my credit card going through and the called me no less than 5 times to get it cleared up for me.
This is difinitely a user and a keeper.
It came scary sharp right out of the box (just like the outside of the box said it would be), it opens and closes with very little effort and rides easy in all carry positions that I have tried.
Aeromedix was great to deal with also. There was a small problem with my credit card going through and the called me no less than 5 times to get it cleared up for me.
This is difinitely a user and a keeper.