My initial Ritter/Becker RSK 2 review

retzius

retzius

Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
1,102
I got RSK 2 #101 in the mail yesterday. Here are my initial impressions:

The good

1. Fantastic blade shape, almost a spear point
2. The blade thickness and high grind make this a much better slicer than the BK2
3. The grivory is less slippery than the Bk2
4. The weight thing is kinda meh.. You can remove all three and put on the micarta scales and the balance Is still neutral
5. The micarta scales really complete this knife
6. The thumb ramp and extended lower Finger guard work well together

The bad

1. The grind is uneven on the belly. This is my first Rowen knife. Was expecting better
2. It's not very sharp. Won't shave at all.
3. The sheath rattles a lot

I'll post some pics of the grind and use it a bit before updating
4.
 
Sounds like the good far outweighs the bad. I am surprised to hear about the grind and sharpness. All of my ESEE's came shaving sharp and the grinds were all even. Even if your's wasn't it's an easy fix. Dont know what to tell you about the sheath. Looking forward to the pics!!
Cheers
Balding
 
retzius said:
I got RSK 2 #101 in the mail yesterday. Here are my initial impressions:

The good

1. Fantastic blade shape, almost a spear point
2. The blade thickness and high grind make this a much better slicer than the BK2
3. The grivory is less slippery than the Bk2
4. The weight thing is kinda meh.. You can remove all three and put on the micarta scales and the balance Is still neutral
5. The micarta scales really complete this knife
6. The thumb ramp and extended lower Finger guard work well together

The bad

1. The grind is uneven on the belly. This is my first Rowen knife. Was expecting better
2. It's not very sharp. Won't shave at all.
3. The sheath rattles a lot

I'll post some pics of the grind and use it a bit before updating
4.
Click to expand...

First off, if you're not happy, we're not happy, so do not hesitate to contact Roger at KnifeWorks about a replacement. If you'd rather keep it and use it, it is a working knife, at the very least we would like some photos of the original grind to review.

All the production RSK Mk2s I have rec'd and seen have had good grinds and were plenty sharp, so I and Shon are surprised at this.

WRT the sheath, it is not a molded click-in sheath. It is also designed to work with the blade inserted both ways. The knife should be secure and not rattle in normal use with the knife security strap around the handle. If you really shake it all to heck, yes it will rattle a little. If there's a rattle problem beyond what I have described, or what I have described is unacceptable to you, we'll be happy to replace the knife or refund your purchase price if unused.
 
i'm surprised that the edge is uneven and not sharp. pictures of course please!

mine, and by all reports, most others came VERY sharp and smooth as glass. as perfect as can be. which is a pity, as another low numbered knife would be nice to have :>
 
Critter said:
First off, if you're not happy, we're not happy, so do not hesitate to contact Roger at KnifeWorks about a replacement. If you'd rather keep it and use it, it is a working knife, at the very least we would like some photos of the original grind to review.
All the production RSK Mk2s I have rec'd and seen have had good grinds and were plenty sharp, so I and Shon are surprised at this.
WRT the sheath, it is not a molded click-in sheath. It is also designed to work with the blade inserted both ways. The knife should be secure and not rattle in normal use with the knife security strap around the handle. If you really shake it all to heck, yes it will rattle a little. If there's a rattle problem beyond what I have described, or what I have described is unacceptable to you, we'll be happy to replace the knife or refund your purchase price if unused.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your reply and offer. You guys are a class act and your reply speaks volumes about why I was happy to purchase this knife!

I will keep the knife as I intend to use it and can correct the grind issue with a little effort. The grind is even on the flat but migrates off to the side on the belly. I will post pictures as requested when I get a bit of free time this weekend.

The knife should sharpen up nicely when I work the grind. The edge seems like a "toothy" working edge that will "bite" good but it doesn't shave and hangs up on paper a bit. In all fairness this is the least of my concerns and I sharpen up all my knives before use anyway. I did not expect a custom level edge but the high grind on this knife is so great I just wanted it to slice like a laser.

I have warmed up a bit to the sheath. I put it on my belt and took a walk and the weight of the knife when the sheath is hanging in the vertical position keeps rattle to a minimum. In addition, the pocket holds my swisstool spirit perfectly.

I truly appreciate your response. It's nice to see honest business people that take pride in their product. I know it's technically a numbered collector first run knife but I like it so much I intend to really work it out and give it some love.

Thanks! :thumbup:
 
A quick fix for the rattle I did on other Becker sheaths is to glue an innertube patch on the inside. Works great.
 
Critter said:
All the production RSK Mk2s I have rec'd and seen have had good grinds and were plenty sharp, so I and Shon are surprised at this.
Click to expand...

I picked up #127 straight from Mr Ritter at PWYP this past weekend. Mine is shaving sharp and the grinds and plunges are straight and even. Can't wait to get out and use it.
 
I am surprised that it didn't come shaving sharp. Each and every ESEE I have ever handled was shaving sharp, aside from a few that were heavily used and not sharpened in a while.
 
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