Doug Ritter RSK1

T

Tack

Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
28
Hi,
I am looking for a new locking folder and figured I'd better get into the 21st. Century.
I have been looking at the RSK 1 made by Benchmade but in the interests of thoroughness I was wondering what else, of a similar design, specification and price is available from CRKT, Spyderco etc.
Regards
Tack
 
I've got both the Ritter Grip and the mini Grip, and planning on getting the Ritter Grip FB. Both the regular and mini are great knives IMHO. CRKT doesn't really have anything to offer in a similar category, but their AUS8 M16 and M21 lines are pretty good. Spyderco has some great models out there, it was too big for me, but I had a Manix. G10 handles and a beefy S30V blade. Not as thick but longer, they have the Military, which is one of my current faves.
 
There are many great knives out there from various manufacturers. Perhaps if you provide some details about certain things you're looking for in the knife (blade length, any locking mechanism preferences, intended usage, price range, etc.), it would be easier to give some suggestions.
 
Padawan,
The overall specification of the Ritter RSK 1 is pretty good for my needs. This knife appears to be exceptionally well specified blade-wise but the locking mechanism and the handle scales have been criticised elsewhere. This is the reason I am covering the field to see if there is something better.
I have no real preference as to locking mechanism apart from the obvious, that it must be secure under very heavy use and also that I am left-handed.
This knife will be my EDC for work. I am a fabricator / welder / fitter.
As far a price is concerned I don't want to exceed about $150.00.
Regards
Tack
 
Tack said:
Padawan,
The overall specification of the Ritter RSK 1 is pretty good for my needs. This knife appears to be exceptionally well specified blade-wise but the locking mechanism and the handle scales have been criticised elsewhere. This is the
Tack
Click to expand...


I ran over my Benchmade 551 with my car a couple of times, to prove a point on another forum. I have seen Griptilian handles go to hell and back and still come back for me. I have 60 or so Benchmade's and have never had a lock failure with the Axis lock. No lock is perfect, yet it is about as good as you are going to get in production knife. Since you are a left hander, the Axis Lock is one of the better choices for you.

Spyderco makes a good knife also, if you find one you like from them, it should serve you well.

My first Griptilian I gave to a friend who is a foreman in a machine shop. He used it everday for almost two years. Aside from clip wear, and the coating wearing off the blade... It still locks up tight, and works well. That was the 440C version... Your S30V should even preform better. Too bad you missed the M2's... I have a Ritter Mini-Grip in M2, and no it is not for sale... :D

Since you are planning on using the knife hard in a work enviroment, I would invest time understanding the nature and drawbacks of different blade steels. Will it chip? What happens if I cut something and run into a staple? How is it to sharpen? Do I want edge retention or a blade that will bend and not break? Keeping that in mind, remember the basic Griptilian can be had in the following steels: 440C, 154CM, S30V, D2, and M2 (good luck with the last one).

If you like the Ritter Grip, get it... It is a well regarded knife and should serve you well.
 
Tack,

The Ritter RSK is a spectacular knife. The blade shape and the S30V should handle anything you can toss at it and then some. The modified leaf shape blade has rapidly become my favorite for practical use.

The lock, in my opinion is solid as a brick. You'll appreciate it's ability to thumb flick the blade open and then flick it back closed, when you need to, without depressing the axis lock to open the blade.

The handle material and texture has just enough "grab" without worrying about it eating jean pockets. My $.02. Let us know what you decide and your impressions please! :D
 
Tack said:
Hi,
I am looking for a new locking folder and figured I'd better get into the 21st. Century.
I have been looking at the RSK 1 made by Benchmade but in the interests of thoroughness I was wondering what else, of a similar design, specification and price is available from CRKT, Spyderco etc.
Regards
Tack
Click to expand...

I also really like what I hear about the grips, but just haven't ordered one yet. I called Aeromedix.com and they claimed they would get more M2 mini grips in next week. I'm NOT getting my hopes up but I'll call or check their web site. At least the guy seemed to know what I was talking about.

I assume you are aware of the Cabela's BM Grip with a D2 blade. Blade profile is similar to the standard grip.

I don't have a D2 blade nor M2 blade (that I'll use) so heck I might spring for one then the other.
 
I am very curious what criticisms the Axis lock was given? One of the strongest and easiest locks to manipulate. What more could you ask?
 
The Ritter Grip has an enthusiastic following, but all the Griptilians are good. The D2 version mentioned will probably hold up especially well.

Spyderco has the D'Allara 2 Drop Point which is very similar to the Griptilian series, and I found it actually more comfortable to hold -- although the Grips are very comfortable themselves.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
The Ritter Grip has an enthusiastic following, but all the Griptilians are good. The D2 version mentioned will probably hold up especially well.

Spyderco has the D'Allara 2 Drop Point which is very similar to the Griptilian series, and I found it actually more comfortable to hold -- although the Grips are very comfortable themselves.
Click to expand...

I've heard the D'Allara decribed as a pocket hog. Do you agree with that description of the D'Allara? If so do think a Grip is as well?
 
I LOVE my Ritter Mini-Grips!! They are most excellent. I highly recommend them.
The D'Allara DP is also a great knife, but it takes up a good deal more real estate!!
 
I have over 100 high and mid-priced production knives. My Ritter Grip is my EDC about 90% of the time. I'm also partial to the new Kershaw Blur in S30V. Very nice but if I could only buy one, I'd go with the Ritter Grip.
 
Hi,
Thanks for the replies thus far. What has been offered reinforces my first thoughts about thr RSK1 but during my research I have come upon two knives about which I would like some expert opinion.
First off is the Bladetech Wegner Pro-hunter with a plain blade. Second is the Emerson CQC10 again with the plain blade
Regards
Tack
 
Tack said:
Hi,
Thanks for the replies thus far. What has been offered reinforces my first thoughts about thr RSK1 but during my research I have come upon two knives about which I would like some expert opinion.
First off is the Bladetech Wegner Pro-hunter with a plain blade. Second is the Emerson CQC10 again with the plain blade
Regards
Tack
Click to expand...

I'll take a quick stab (my pun for the day).

I was not familiar with Bladetech but the knife looks terrific and the materials are of the highest quality. If others wish to look....
http://www.youwantit2.com/BLADETECH.html

I believe most everyone using this forum would agree that Emerson's are some of the best productions knives one can purchase. The CQC10 is a top design and also made of the finest materials.

Any of the knives you have choosen would suit you well. Many others have given good pointers about choosing steel types and their experiences with different knives. This is all valuable information but in the end, you have to choose. Be a man and lay down some cash...;) .

For me it would come down to what I would want the knife for. If it is to carry around and cut a little cardboard, open a few letters, and defend youself if necessary, then any of them will do, along with dozens of other knives. However, if you intend to really use this knife as a tool, something you need for your job, for example, then my opinion would be to always go with an Axis type lock. That would mean the Ritter Griptilian as far as the knives you have listed. Safety should be a high priority for a work knife and I just don't trust a liner lock enough for day-in and day-out use.

In the end, no one can tell you what to do. What one person likes another does not. Go for it. You can always sell it and try another. Or be like me and buy a hundred or so. That way you can carry a different knife depending on your mood. Women do it with clothes, why can't men do it with knives...lol...:D ?

Good luck
 
Given your price range I would stick to the Griptilian or a Manix, but you may also look at the Lone wolf Harsey T1 or T2....
 
Don't have experience with the Bladetech knife, however the Emerson's I do...

For what it seems like you will be using the knife for, the Ritter is a better choice. I would pick an Axis Lock over a Liner Lock anyday. Also, I would take S30V over 154CM also (not that it is that bad, mind you). The Emerson you have in mind is also a pretty "tactical" looking knife, maybe not as good an idea in some work enviroments.

Now if you really love the CQC10... There is no rule you can only own one knife.
 
I have the Ritter Grip and Mini Ritter in S30V, and just received the M2 Ritter Grip. These are excellent knives, and are my EDC (mini for the office, regular sized elsewhere) day in and day out. No problems with handles, and the Axis lock is the best out there. Great blade, great knife.
 
For what it's worth ..I own the Ritter grip (lge), Blade Tech Prohunter (PE Orange), Spydie Millie (PE)
IMHO: No contest- The Ritter Grip trumps them all.
It leaves me scratching my head why I paid so much for customs.
 
I just ordered one of the last Ritter M2 blades. I really like the S30V RSK and I also like M2 so it was opportunistic that Benchmade made additional blades. My normal EDC is a Benchmade 940, but I've started carrying the RSK as an alternative -- highly recommended.
 
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