EDC question: Valet or Mini-Rukus?

Herlock

Herlock

Joined
May 13, 2015
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Hi guys, some help/advices needed. I’m thinking to add one Benchmade knife (first one) to my folders. I am in doubt about which I should get between the Valet and the Mini-Rukus.

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I know they are completely different knives, specs are clear to me and yes, I used the search tab :) and I did some researches on the net. Unfortunately I don’t have the possibility to handle them and comparing before purchasing and will have to buy from a reputable on-line store, hence my request for your help.

My main concern about the Valet is it could turn out to be a kind of Mcusta for me: beautiful knives, great for EDC carry and light indoor utility tasks but no way I would carry them to the woods (beside the Tactility maybe, which I do not own at the moment so I can’t really say). My main concern about the Mini-Rukus is it could be really on my upper tolerance for EDC carry in terms of size and weight and I have question marks on the ergonomics of the whole thing.

The knife will be used, not abused/misused but surely well used as EDC (cutting packaging materials, food prep, carving/whittling) :). Have some of you used these knives and can give a user’s perspective and maybe an opinion comparing the two ? Thanks in advance for attention, your time and kind support.
 
I have the Mini Rukus. My EDC folder is a Spyderco Endura carried clipped inside my waistband above the right front pocket. I found, as you suggest, that the Ruckus is heavy and thick for my purposes. I am not familiar with the Valet except reading reviews. The Rukus is a very stout knife but I prefer a fixed blade for general use in the woods.

I looked in several places and was unable to locate a Mini Rukus for sale. Website indicated discontinued or not available.
 
For EDC I love the Valet. I hardly notice it in my pocket, the edge retention is fantastic, it's elegant, it's a more friendly carry out in public. That said depending on the size of your hands you may not get a full 4 finger grip on it and the handle material is not as grippy. For me that's a non issue as I use it for light duty EDC and I can just get a full grip on it. There are better options for the woods so consider your primary use. My other favorite EDC is the mini griptillion. I've given that one a pretty good work out and it hasn't let me me down yet. I feel I have a better grip on that one and its easier for me to maintain the edge. I prefer the look of other handle materials but the Frn is light and does it's job well. I don't have hands on experience with the Mini Rukus but that seems heavy for an EDC. For the woods I usually stick with fixed blades and a multitool. Another option for a lighter weight EDC, full grip and a larger blade is the 940 series.
 
Of the two I'd recommend the mini-rukus if you're in the woods a lot, and the valet for city use. However I'd go for something like a 707 or mini grip over the two.
 
I really like my valet.

Disappears in the pocket , cuts like a laser and isn't going to freak people out. It falls in my gentleman's category

A couple pics

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I don't think anyone can answer the question for you because size and ergos are so dependent on your personal taste.

I live in the woods, and the mini Rukus is a really sweet knife that handles like a dream and is built like a tank. It's a little blocky and heavy, but I don't notice it when carried in my jeans. The Valet would be better for dress pants and an office environment. I often carry the full-size Rukus, which is an incredible knife, but much larger and heavier.

I wish Benchmade would make the mini Rukus in M390 steel. That would be sweet. But of my S30V knifes, the Rukus/mini Rukus seems to have exceptionally good heat treats.
 
Hi folks! Thank-you all for your inputs :). Much appreciated. This morning I pulled the trigger and got the Mini-Rukus! Not cheap this baby, I think I’m done for the summer with knives. I went for this eventually for two main reasons: one is I carry a knife mainly during week-ends when out walking/hiking in the woods or on the trails in the countryside. Of course, sometimes, I venture to carry one at work also, but the environment and laws here are quite restrictive and waving around a blade which is not a box-cutter is not recommended. Within my EDC, I actually do some very basic wood working/bushcraft type of stuff, like making walking sticks for the kids, setting up a tarp and small camp-fires and stuff like that. So the Mini looked right to me (for the real stuff I bring along the Fallknivens, the F1 or the A1 :)). Second reason is the Mini looks nowadays discontinued and this was a kind of last chance to get a new one. I managed to find one at a Finnish dealer based in Lappeenranta (I’m unsure about the rules to post commercial links here, but with this, it’s just two clicks away for those interested - I think I got one of the few left from the limited edition made for the Blade Show or something). The Valet looks a great knife but it’s true, it’s more on the “gentleman” side, it’s rather new and, given its sales success, it will be around for some times. Just parked it in the whish-list for the moment. I will get the Mini-Rukus next days. I will start using it a bit and will keep you posted (you willing or not :D)! Thanks again. Take care.
 
I had a valet on preorder, but after holding one at a store I was not impressed. The axis lock as small, the scales didn't do it for me, and it didn't have that awesome smooth opening that my other benchmade knives did. Because I wanted something in M390, I instead ordered a Doug Ritter version of the Griptilian. You can get it in the mini size for much less than the Valet (and spend the extra money on some custom scales like I did). I'm very happy with my Ritter and I promise you won't be disappointed.
 
I'd say go with the Valet. I've handled one a few times and I really like it. Like others have mentioned, it's great for EDC tasks,etc.
I'm sure it will hold up fine with whittling and being in the woods. Benchmade makes quality stuff.
 
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