Quality of steel and heat treat in Ruike and Realsteel knives

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maximus83

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Nov 7, 2011
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Recently came across Realsteel and Ruike knives, both of which make some models in Sandvik 14C28N stainless.

For anybody who has tried these: What's the quality of the steel and the heat treat like on these Sandvik 14C28N blades?
 
I know from my Thor that the heat treat is top notch. Takes an edge really well, and holds it through a fair amount of use.
 
I haven't tried these brands so I cannot comment on their heat treat specifically. However 14c28n is an excellent steel in my opinion. It is extremely fine grained and takes a mean edge.
 
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I have 2 real steel. I got them for the 14c28n and have not been disappointed. Kershaw seems to be using it less and real steel.has some nice utilitarian designs at an affordable price. I prefer the over my vg10 and s30v and 154cm from Spyderco and Benchmade. However, I like the Spyderco and Benchmade designs better, so they still get more pocket time.
 
Sandvik 14C28N is excellent steel IMO. It will keep a shaving edge longer than s30v and is easier to sharpen. However s30 will keep a duller "working" edge longer. But, we all are crazy here and if you cant shave with your knife its not sharp. It also is easier to consistently heat treat in a large production scale.
 
Thanks for the replies. I ordered a fixed Ruike in 14C28N to try it out. See how it stacks up to other 14C28N I have, like Kershaw and Mora.

One additional detail I noticed last evening, all their folders from both companies appear to be RH biased, the clips can only be installed for RH carry. For us 12% of the population that are LH, that rules them out for pocket carry.
 
I have 3 Real Steels and 2 Ruike knives I have used and abused these knives and they stand up to the punishment. I have also sharpened 4 of the 5 because the 5th is a safe queen and the come back as sharp as a razor. Real Steel belongs to Sanrenmu so by now they should know what they are doing.
 
I have 4 real steel with 14c28n knives,you won't be disappointed they take a really nice edge ,with decent edge retention
 
I have two Sea Eagles, had to buy a 2nd, they are awesome for the price!!!
Also have Pointman and a Bushcraft Plus with the full flat grind.

They all have 14C28N, and that is a major reason I got them. They have that steels HT dialed in. It reminds me of a well heat treated Aeb L. When Aeb L is done right, it is an awesome steel! Same with 14C28N. Very user friendly, gets razor sharp with ease, good corrosion resistance, pretty good toughness, and decent edge holding. I thought the edge holding was going to be not so good, but was pleasantly surprised. Great all around steel!
 
Geez, I may have to overcome my irritation that they don't have LH clips, and just get one for the right pocket. :-)
 
A majority of the larger well known Chinese brands have good heat treatments. It's been said that they know it will be looked at by a microscope so it has to stand up to the critics.

The smaller companies don't really care. Of course we see various miss labeled steel from time to time like crkt hootanani in s30v that wasn't s30v.

But Kizer, ruike, Rike, we, Reate, real steel and a few others def use what's advertised and the heat treatment is more often than not equal to the rest of mass produced competition, usa or otherwise.

For the most part If you want optimal heat treatment get a custom knife heat treated to your spec. I've found benchmades super steel to generally be more optimal than most mass produced brands but the poor qc, burnt edges etc is crazy.

The really budget knives like junk ganzo etc are often going to be whatever steel they have laying around and generally be soft HT.
 
I have the Sea Eagle, 14c28n. Bought it because it looked cool, and had a steel that I had never tried. HT is good. 60-61HRC, holds edge quite well. Too thick on the spine for my liking, and too thick behind the edge for my liking. Case, Opinel, some Spyderco's, etc are much better pocket knives. Thinner blades and thinner grinds.
 
Yesterday I received the Ruike Hornet, a 3.5" fixed blade in 14c28n, with about a 4" handle, and 7.5" OAL. Slim lightweight profile, weighs just 3.7oz, with a compact sheath included that has good retention no rattling. There is enough handle there that even with my large hands I can get a good purchase on it. The blade profile is just about what I'd want in a knife of this type: 0.140" at the spine, narrows down nicely to enable it to be a good slicer as well.

For folks that want to EDC a fixed blade, or carry a light fixed knife for hiking and backpacking in addition to whatever else you bring, this thing is a pretty compelling option. Good steel, good blade profile, great handle, adequate sheath, everything you need in the box for about $47. I hate to say it, I almost like this better than my Spyderco Street Beat with the custom sheath. If the Sandvik steel lives up to its promise, this thing will be a winner.
 
My experience has been nothing but positive with both companies. The Ruike P801sf might be the best budget knife out there for the $$
 
I'd like to know how well the fixed blade works. Anyone wanna send one to Dutch bushcraft knives to be tested?
 
Yalius said:
The T101 can be reversed for left carry.
Click to expand...

Yes I saw that. Wish they'd get some more of their line setup with clip working for RH/LH. In the Real Steel line, I was interested in the H6 S1. In the Ruike, interested in the Hussar. Both were RH only.
 
Really like both companies I've had a few of both some my own some for review and they are consistently good in all departments
 
I have a real steel h6 plus. Has the sandvik steel. Its held up well, as good as my kershaw sandvik.
 
maximus83 said:
Yes I saw that. Wish they'd get some more of their line setup with clip working for RH/LH. In the Real Steel line, I was interested in the H6 S1. In the Ruike, interested in the Hussar. Both were RH only.
Click to expand...
There are a few Real Steel models that have lefty clips, but to my knowledge there isn't a single Ruike model that is reversible. It's actually a trend I'm very disappointed to see in Chinese companies, little to no lefty support.
 
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