Thumbhole for Ritter Mini Grip?

Alvin Hom · Oct 10, 2004

I didn't know whether to post this under Blade Discussion or here. I figured more folks might be modifying their knives here so here goes...

I'm considering the Mini-RSK Mk1 (Benchmade Model 558-400) for an EDC.

Has anyone here taken out a thumbstud and drilled out a thumbhole in S30V steel? Any opinions on doing this on the Mini Grip?

I may be getting way too picky but I came up with this idea after being stuck between choosing between the Ritter Mini Grip vs the Mini Griptilian. I'm thinking, in this specific knife I like the thumbhole design better...too bad it's 440C and not S30V. So the next best thing is to drill out the Ritter.

TIA!

ddavelarsen · Oct 10, 2004

Well, drilling hardened steel isn't what we'd call a day in the park. You might be able to wallow it out using diamond bits a Dremel. I'm not familiar with the specific models you're interested in though. Is there room in the blade of the Ritter? Good luck!

Alvin Hom · Oct 11, 2004

ddavelarsen,

Thanks for the reply. On second thought, I may just stick with the 440C as this particular knife will come in contact with salt water sometimes. And if I'm not mistaken, 440C is more resistant to corrosion that S30V (please correct me if I'm wrong).

ddavelarsen · Oct 11, 2004

I think S30V is at lease as corrosion resistant as 440C; it was designed as the "ideal" knife steel.

Alvin Hom · Oct 12, 2004

ddavelarsen said:
I think S30V is at lease as corrosion resistant as 440C; it was designed as the "ideal" knife steel.

I ordered the Ritter today. I think I can live with the thumbstud. Thanks.

In case you're interested, the Ritter info is here: http://www.equipped.org/rsk_mk1.htm

AwP · Oct 12, 2004

A modification I've made on thumb stud knives is to unscrew it and put a ring through the small hole. I can open it exceptionally quick by putting my thumb into the ring while taking it from my pocket. Maybe that would work for you?

Alvin Hom · Oct 12, 2004

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see how I like the thumbstud on the Ritter. It might turn out okay. I don't like thumbstuds that snag your pockets when being drawn. Some thumbstuds are designed to glide smoothly. I'm hoping the Ritter will be the gliding kind.

ddavelarsen · Oct 12, 2004

Hey, what good's an ambidextrous clip when it can't be flipped from end to end?

Just kidding; that's some kind of knife. I think you've picked a very nearly ideal EDC. I'm surprised, I like the yellow handle too.

Congratulations, I'd enjoy a review when you have the opportunity. I'm due for a new weekend knife and this one sure has my interest.

Alvin Hom · Oct 12, 2004

Dave, I'll post a review of how I like it. Also worth a read...there's 7 pages of reviews on the full size Ritter Grip at: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299359&highlight=ritter Doug Ritter answers some questions there.

Alvin Hom · Oct 19, 2004

2 days with the knife and I love it. Came super sharp out of the box. Action buttery smooth. So I've been cutting stuff up just for the fun of it, cardboard, paper, plastic. No wires nor rope yet. But, it's still hair popping sharp. I really like the way S30V holds it's edge.