RSK Mk1 for hiking/camping?

FSCJedi

FSCJedi

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2002
Messages
711
I've been looking at one of these for a while and have just about convinced myself to get one, but I wanted to hear from you all first. Most of the search results were older and I'd like some new opinions of those who've maybe had one for a while. So who's got one and wadda ya think?

P.S. I'm also in the Army and this would be my EDC.
 
Get the Rittergrip ... you'll love it.

I've had the the fullszie Rittergrip since it first came available and it is WONDERFUL. Since then I've purchased the mini-version for EDC, the M2 version of the fullsze (no longer available), and the fixed bladed MK3 for camping. I"ve had no chipping problems, the knives are as smooth opening/closing as they were on the day they arrived, and they keep an edge for a long time. I think the open back design - near the axis lock - makes them much easier to clean when needed. The only sign of age is wear on the mini-s clip from daily carry.

If you were in more of an office environment I might recommend the mini, but being in the Army (thanks for your service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) the fullsize Rittergrip is more suitable (and feels much nicer in the hand). I'd recommend the standard blade finish - rather than the black-coated blade, but being in the military your needs may be unique.
 
I have EDC'd the full size RSK Mk1, it's a very good knife. I'm back to my BM 940 now but the Ritter Grip is still nearby. Go for it.
 
I am contemplating getting rid of my remaining BM's and Spydies and carrying my Sebs exclusively. The only two tacticools I would keep would be my Military and Ritter Grip. The Ritter Grip would be my favorite modern design folder if not for my Millie. For the average EDC, even in sheepleville, it would be a great carry knife. Unassuming, I prefer the blade shape over the regular Grip designs, feels good in the hand. For camping/hiking etc, well, I like S30V, but would rather have a tool steel. When hiking involves going to the local trail, the Grip would be fine. But for extended hiking and camping, I would go with a fixed blade. I did own the Ritter Grip fixed blade, which was a great knife, I am just of the mindset right now that camp knives should have carbon or tool steel (something I've made mention of to Doug Ritter, c'mon Doug, how about an M2 Ritter MK3 Grip?).
 
silenthunterstudios said:
I am contemplating getting rid of my remaining BM's and Spydies and carrying my Sebs exclusively. The only two tacticools I would keep would be my Military and Ritter Grip. The Ritter Grip would be my favorite modern design folder if not for my Millie. For the average EDC, even in sheepleville, it would be a great carry knife.
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I absolutely agree for my outdoor's tastes as well. In fact, my RSK-1 is my Sebbie substitue when backpacking and I EDC my Spyderco Military as well as my second folder. I plan to get the mini RSK (in yellow) for my wife as a Christmas present...it really is a great (and light) camp folder.

ROCK6
 
I have tried knives by many different manufacturers (including Chris Reeves) but none of them worked as well for me as the Ritter Grips. The Ritter is the perfect combination of blade design, strength, ease and speed of deployment, ergonomics and weight.
A Mini works great for me as off-duty EDC and when I'm out in the woods camping it's a full sized, clipless and in an Eagle Industries knife sheath . I find that with the addition of a small piece of foam in the base of the pouch, it is perfect for the Ritter:

 
I own one, the blade is very sharp, the lock is very reliable, it's light and the fit and finish is excellent. The only comment i would have is the blade shape is designed to be strong to split wood and have some belly to be good at skinning. It's not very pointy and may not be as good at stabbing. But evidently, this rarely happens and as a last resort and chances are the knife will be used more for cutting rope and opening MREs. I would also get one of those foldup green diamond sharpeners from DMT to sharpen it with.
 
The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have full metal liners. Only partials. If I were to by a knife now I'd probably go with the spydie mini-manix. I'm also not fond of the set screw backing out and loosening the tension on it now that I'm thinking about it. Anyone have a fix for that? Still, I EDC the Ritter daily.
 
Shotgun said:
The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have full metal liners. Only partials. If I were to by a knife now I'd probably go with the spydie mini-manix. I'm also not fond of the set screw backing out and loosening the tension on it now that I'm thinking about it. Anyone have a fix for that? Still, I EDC the Ritter daily.
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Have you tried blue loctite?
 
Shotgun said:
I'm also not fond of the set screw backing out and loosening the tension on it now that I'm thinking about it. Anyone have a fix for that? Still, I EDC the Ritter daily.
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Have you contacted Aeromedix to see if they can provide a solution?
 
erdvark said:
Have you tried blue loctite?
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2nd on the blue loctite. Just apply that on the screw threads, tighten the blade tension to just where you want it, then set the knife down. Let the knife sit overnight, and you're all set.

It's important to make sure you use the blue loctite since this will still allow for the knife to be disassembled if necessary.
 
I've carried both sizes of Ritters for a couple of years... the mini as EDC and the full-size as camp/trail knife. I don't carry FBs, even when camping for a week or so. And I've never felt the need for one as long as I have one of my full size RSKs.

The sharpest knives I have are a mini-RSK and my H&K 14210s. I think the Ritter drop-point blade is perfect for about everything I do. It is my absolute favorite blade shape for a folding knife. And I've never had a problem with Benchmade's S30V chipping or failing to sharpen up and hold a nice edge.

One thing I do with most knives that I get for EDC or outdoor use is to adjust the pivot action to my preference (slightly firm) and then add blue loc-tite to the pivot screw and the clip screws. Never had a problem with screws backing out on those knives.
 
I went ahead and got the full size Mk1. It should be on its way to me here soonish, I hope. I'm looking very much forward to getting a chance to try her out. :D
 
erdvark said:
It's not very pointy and may not be as good at stabbing.
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People are routinely stabbed and killed with screwdrivers which are much more blunt than these knives. While they were never designed as "fighting knives," any sharp, pointy implement can be pressed into service as one if that's what "survival" means at that moment in time.

In fact, I don't know how much "pointier" you could make these knives.
 
FSCJedi said:
I went ahead and got the full size Mk1. It should be on its way to me here soonish, I hope. I'm looking very much forward to getting a chance to try her out. :D
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Good decision! I especially like the full sized version - a great knife, and my favorite one-handed folder. :thumbup:
 
Don Rearic said:
People are routinely stabbed and killed with screwdrivers which are much more blunt than these knives. While they were never designed as "fighting knives," any sharp, pointy implement can be pressed into service as one if that's what "survival" means at that moment in time.

In fact, I don't know how much "pointier" you could make these knives.
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Agreed, human beings are basically weak bags full of liquid, you poke some holes, the liquid runs out and they die.
I only bring that up because evidently the OP wants to carry this in the army, and being able to do this might actually be important, unlike the tactifools, with their tacticools.
 
Shotgun said:
The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have full metal liners. Only partials. If I were to by a knife now I'd probably go with the spydie mini-manix. I'm also not fond of the set screw backing out and loosening the tension on it now that I'm thinking about it. Anyone have a fix for that? Still, I EDC the Ritter daily.
Click to expand...
Blue loctite, blue loctite, blue loctite...THEN LUBE!
 
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