RSK Benchmade vs Hogue vs Knifeworks

A

austin37

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Jul 7, 2019
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Afternoon,

I understand the only maker currrntly in production is knife works. But is there any major design differences between them all? Prices? What’s the major differences between the RSK and a standard griptillian? Good all around very durable edc?
 
Knifeworks is THE only distributor of RSK knives. They don’t manufacture them. Hogue makes them at this time.

I have both the Benchmade and Hogue RSK’s and they are both excellent knives and you will not make a mistake buying and using either.

However, for my money, the best ones so far are the Hogue ones. They are more stout and they function perfectly, at least, the ones that I have owned.
 
The RSK's handles are slightly longer than the Benchmades, and come with 3D machined G10 scales instead of grivory, 20CV instead of 154CM or S30V, and deep carry clip standard. The crossbar also has a more intricate/grippy texturing machined in it.
 
The Hogue's are designed a bit different, with the Axis lock "Frame" anchored to the body screws. A stronger setup, but not sure of it's an improvement of sorts.
 
The Hogue RSKs are a more evolved Griptilian and come with a more refined "Axis"lock, much smoother than the BM Axis. I have 2 Hogue RSKs, both came incredibly sharp with polished edges. Great knives.
 
Tsujigiri said:
The RSK's handles are slightly longer than the Benchmades, and come with 3D machined G10 scales instead of grivory, 20CV instead of 154CM or S30V, and deep carry clip standard. The crossbar also has a more intricate/grippy texturing machined in it.
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The current RSKs have Magnacut blades.

The blade and handle designs are excellent to begin with. But on top of that, to find a knife with G10 handles, full liners, and Magnacut for what they are charging is a phenomenal deal.
 
knarfeng said:
The current RSKs have Magnacut blades.

The blade and handle designs are excellent to begin with. But on top of that, to find a knife with G10 handles, full liners, and Magnacut for what they are charging is a phenomenal deal.
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Yes, agree that the price is a great. When you hold it in your hand, you'll go "Hmmmm" and not "What???"
 
Ritter griptilian (M390 is the one that I had) is thinner behind the edge, which I prefer to Hogue Ritter RSK. The pocket clip on Hogue Ritter has hot spots. These are my two pet peeves.
 
sharp_edge said:
Ritter griptilian (M390 is the one that I had) is thinner behind the edge, which I prefer to Hogue Ritter RSK. The pocket clip on Hogue Ritter has hot spots. These are my two pet peeves.
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Agreed on those points. I like my RSK but the clip isn't great and I constantly consider sending it to someone to get it reground.
 
I have had three mini RSKs - Two made by Benchmade (S30V and M390) and one made by Hogue (20CV). Functionally, I could tell no difference between them as far as action is concerned. The S30V from Benchmade is much thinner behind the edge, while the M390 from Benchmade and the Hogue are very similar to each other in that regard, and thicker behind the edge. I liked the feel of the Hogue handle better. However, as financial pressures led me to sell some of my collection, I sold the Hogue. My biggest beef with the design is the open back. I know a lot of people like it because it makes the knife easier to clean, but for me it is an irritation because if anything else is in the pocket with the knife (which is usually the case for me), invariably the edge gets blunted as things find their way into the open back.

When Hogue started producing the RSK, there was a question whether the basic design was (or should be) licensed with credit and royalties to Mel Pardue. I don't recall if that question was ever fully resolved. Perhaps someone can answer that definitively.
 
The RSK has nice little details like the way the thumb lug ends and axis lock ends are machined w that 3 hub shape makes it more grippy too .Hogue also uses better springs, from a company that makes springs for guns it might be Wolff not positive though…
 
lambertiana said:
I have had three mini RSKs - Two made by Benchmade (S30V and M390) and one made by Hogue (20CV). Functionally, I could tell no difference between them as far as action is concerned. The S30V from Benchmade is much thinner behind the edge, while the M390 from Benchmade and the Hogue are very similar to each other in that regard, and thicker behind the edge. I liked the feel of the Hogue handle better. However, as financial pressures led me to sell some of my collection, I sold the Hogue. My biggest beef with the design is the open back. I know a lot of people like it because it makes the knife easier to clean, but for me it is an irritation because if anything else is in the pocket with the knife (which is usually the case for me), invariably the edge gets blunted as things find their way into the open back.

When Hogue started producing the RSK, there was a question whether the basic design was (or should be) licensed with credit and royalties to Mel Pardue. I don't recall if that question was ever fully resolved. Perhaps someone can answer that definitively.
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I have a mini-Griptilian and a Mini-Ritter. The mini-Grip has seldom been carried over the years, because the handle is too short for a comfortable grip. The Ritter gets carried frequently, because the handle is just enough longer and different that I can get a full grip on it. So I might question whether Mel Pardue is actually owed anything. Similar, but not duplicate handle shapes. YMMV.

Also, I will admit that on both the full size and mini Ritters, I removed the clip and sanded the G10 underneath. Once that small area was sanded smooth, the clip works great. Could be just individual hand shapes, but I find the clips to be quite comfortable when I'm gripping the knife.
 
The Hogues look very well designed and made, but I'd same the same for my Grippies. Benchmade's engineers did a fine job there IMHO.
 
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