Ritter RSK Mk1 vs. Zero Tolerance 0200

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moogoogaidan

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Feb 21, 2009
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Hi all,

What do you think for general/hard/camp use: Ritter RSK Mk1 or the ZT0200?

I don't really care about size or weight very much since I'm not going to EDC either. What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of each steel (S30V for the RSK, 154CM for the ZT0200)?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Whoops, also forgot to ask for your opinions on the locking mechanisms or each. Thanks again!
 
I don't have the ZT0200 so can't comment on that, but I do have the Ritter MK1. It's based upon the Benchmade Griptilian but with a much better blade design and much better steel. I was a little disappointed with mine after I did a little whittling/cutting test with a bunch of knives. The Ritter didn't perform very well even though it could push cut paper and shave arm hair.

I don't really know why the Ritter didn't preform better. Some people posted that it might have something to do with the type of edge grind/angle. It may just be that a shaving edge isn't necessarily the best for wood cutting. Don't let my experience sway you too much. I've not heard similar complaints from others.

Having said that I still think the Ritter is a great knife and whenever I head into the woods I'll throw it into my bag. The handle is a little thicker than I generally prefer for edc, but if I'm hiking I'll have it with me. I also think the axis lock is pretty good. It is easy to operate one handed and seems very secure. I did have an omega spring break on a mini griptilian once, but there are other people on BF who've used their axis lock knives for years without any trouble. And BM replaced the spring at no charge.
 
For general use I would go with RSK. Easier to carry, shorter blade, steel that holds edge longer.

For hard/camp use I would go with ZT0200. It is longer with heftier handle. Thicker 154cm blade has better chances surviving abuse.
 
Thanks for the thoughtful response cgmblade -- your assessment of the RSK MK1 sounds spot on with what i've heard form others! :D

I know that the ZT0200 is a bit bigger than the RSK, so i'm interested in seeing if you feel every bit of the extra size over the RSK.
 
I just placed an order for a Spyderco Stretch. It has a 3.5" FFG drop point blade in either VG-10 or you can get ZDP189 (I got the VG-10). The handle is FRN, which is very strong and the whole package weighs 3.4 oz. It's a lock back, and like most Spydercos is quite thin. It should carry very well. Just like an Endura I'd imagine. I think this may be my new camp/backpacking/outdoor knife. You should check it out before you make a decision.
 
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I've owned both, still have the Ritter (4 actually :D ) I liked the ZT0200, but it really was a chunk to carry in pants or backpack.
 
For some reason, Spyderco has never done anything for me. I don't know if it's the spyderhole or what, but it's not a knife i was attracted to. The Stretch does look nice though.

As far as the chunkiness of the ZT, i don't think i would actually mind that. I think i would welcome the substantial feeling. But heft and weight doesn't necessarily mean it feels more solid. What do you think feels more solid: the RSK or the ZT?

Thanks again for all your responses guys!
 
The Ritter suffers from the same thing the full size Griptilian does; the handle 'feels' cheap and hollow. The knife is plenty strong and I'm sure the handle will stand up to much abuse, but it just 'feels' cheap and it has a little echo if you tap it against something hard.

What knives do you carry now? Carrying big chunky knives gets old quick. If you are just looking for something to carry occasionally when you go hiking then it might not matter, but for an edc blade I think size matters a lot, jmo.
 
i don't EDC now, so this folder would be carried around only occasionally. With that in mind, do you guys think there is another more solid knife that would be tougher ad more reliable than these two for general/hard/camping use? (Preferably less than $200) :P
 
I've had several Ritters in both sizes and I currently have a ZT 0350. The Ritters are fine knives for general use around a campsite or on a hike. Mine have always performed well for me and are easy to keep very sharp. They impress me as being excellent slicers and cutters.

The ZT, OTOH, is probably not going do slicing or fine blade work as well as the Ritters. I use my ZT for heavier stuff than I used the Ritters for. I'll chop a bit with it and I never tried that with my Ritters. The biggest drawback to the ZTs for me is their recurve blade. I'm not real fond of recurves, but I like the ZTs enough to keep one or two around in spite of the recurve. And I can still keep my ZT sharp enough to filet paper even with a recurve and a somewhat thick blade.

As far as locking systems, both the AXIS and the 200's liner lock should hold up well. The LL on my 350 is extremely solid and I have no worries about it's dependability.

Personally, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd take the ZT because of the solid (read "weighty") feel of the knife and because I really like 154CM for overall toughness just a tad better than S30V. It doesn't hold an edge quite as long as S30V, but I've done a few "naughty" things to 154CM and it hasn't even blinked... just keeps on going. No chips, no rolls, no complaints. 154CM also comes back to a great edge really easily. S30V is not usually a problem, but it can take a little more time, especially with just a field sharpener.
 
I love the Ritter Grip and myself use one for all outdoor activities. They are pretty tough to beat with they're excellent blade profile and awesome axis lock. That being said, I always also have a fixed blade on me in the outdoors when I feel the need (or rather want) to baton and what not. In my opinion the Ritter grip and a good 4-6" fixed blade is about the best survival combo a guy could have. Also check out the ZT 350. Its a VERY solid folder and its not quite as clunky and heavy as the 200 or 300. Its an assisted opener which is a plus when you have wet, cold hands or with gloves on and Its nice textured g10 gives you a nice grip. Also you have the option to mount the clip on all four ends of the knife. I myself have a very hard time picking between the Ritter and the ZT 350 when I go hiking/camping and I would say that with either one you'll be more prepared than about 75% of the people out there.
 
I like the like the mini Ritter with the Wilkins g10 slabs/handle. It's pricey to get the Wilkins upgrade but it is much nicer than the stock handle IMO.
 
There are probably hundreds of knives that would serve your needs well. If possible try to find a store where you can handle some of them before making a decision. You won't find a RSK in a store but you might find a Griptilian. They're the same size and feel. The only difference would be the blade.

I'm hesitant to make another suggestion and confuse matters further, but if you are dead set against Spyderco you might want to look at the Benchmade HK 14205. I don't have one yet, but I've been considering getting one as a large heavy duty folder. It has a 3.4" blade, 154cm, and weighs just under 5oz.

Here's a picture I snagged

hk14205-1.jpg
 
+1 on the 14205. It should be almost as strong as the ZT0200 (the pivot pin on the 0200 is massive), but the 14205 carries very nicely. I bet it would become your EDC, and not just a camp knife.
 
I've got both knives. The Ritter Grip was one of my first nice knives and the ZT0200 is my latest. I think everyone has pretty much covered the pros and cons of each fairly well. However, the true BF answer to your question is "Buy them both". :D

Here they are side by side.

4198930990_8146d4845b_o.jpg
 
PG5768 said:
I've got both knives. The Ritter Grip was one of my first nice knives and the ZT0200 is my latest. I think everyone has pretty much covered the pros and cons of each fairly well. However, the true BF answer to your question is "Buy them both". :D

Here they are side by side.
Click to expand...

Wow, that ZT is massive. It looks like a tank of a knife. Thanks for the pic. For camping/hiking I think the Ritter would serve the OP better. What do you think?
 
cgmblade said:
Wow, that ZT is massive. It looks like a tank of a knife. Thanks for the pic. For camping/hiking I think the Ritter would serve the OP better. What do you think?
Click to expand...

I think the Ritter Grip would be fine for anything most of us would use a knife for. However, the Zytel handles do feel very light. I can squeeze them together slightly if I grip hard enough. Although, I've never ever heard of them failing.

I think the ZT that is most comparable to the Grip would be the 0350.

4199090560_969c4a3ceb_o.jpg


I don't think the OP could go wrong with either of his original choices, but a perfect compromise would be the 0350.

BTW: My original answer of "Buy them all" is still the best solution. ;)
 
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moogoogaidan said:
As far as the chunkiness of the ZT, i don't think i would actually mind that. I think i would welcome the substantial feeling. But heft and weight doesn't necessarily mean it feels more solid. What do you think feels more solid: the RSK or the ZT?
Click to expand...

"feels" more solid, probably the ZT0200...actually is more "solid" not so sure, since I tend to use folders for their proper tasks and have never really tortured one until it broke.

I did once hack through a 2 inch limb with a extra (had two of the same model) Griptilian without any apparent damage to the lock or blade.

If this is going to be a knife for camp use that won't be EDC'd, you might think about a fixed blade like a RAT RC3 or RC4.
 
Haha, you guys are awesome -- thanks for all the info and advice. The pic comparison of them side by side totally reinforces my original assessment of the two, dimension-wise. The aftermarket g10 grips for the Ritter throws et another monkey-wrench into my decision making, as is that sweet looking Benchmade HK knife. Now to do more research....

Thanks again guys, you've been really helpful! :thumbup:
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
"feels" more solid, probably the ZT0200...actually is more "solid" not so sure, since I tend to use folders for their proper tasks and have never really tortured one until it broke.

I did once hack through a 2 inch limb with a extra (had two of the same model) Griptilian without any apparent damage to the lock or blade.

If this is going to be a knife for camp use that won't be EDC'd, you might think about a fixed blade like a RAT RC3 or RC4.
Click to expand...

I don't think i would ever abuse the knife, but i want to know that if push comes to shove, i will be able to use it for whatever i need. My main knife is a Swamprat M6, and it serves me well. I also regularly take out my Becker BK9 and Mora 870. Although the RAT RC4 might be joining my collection very soon! :D
 
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