What is it about the RAM...

mattz357

mattz357

Joined
Jun 20, 2002
Messages
873
that everyone likes so much? No offense to anyone, but it is not a particularly attractive knife (to me anyway). What features of this knife make you like it better than a similar knife, or what would you consider to be a similar knife or competitor? I am strangely tempted by it due to all the fanfare, but I don't know if I want to try it out or not. Any info is appreciated!
 
I don't own one (yet) but the action on them is nothing short of awesome! They are one of the best flipping knives on the market....
 
I would suggest you handle one first. I really wanted to buy one, but the grip for me forced me to use the choil, and it wasnt comfortable. Maybe it will fit your hand better than it fit mine.
 
It has the Hawk Lock. (I know...DUH! It was designed by the Hawks!) A very unique locking system. They're really nice knives!
 
Listen - I don't like flippers - but this one works incredibly well. Find one and handle it - you could get converted.The Hawk lock is also pretty neat - I even temporarily removed one of the springs and it still worked perfectly.Like all Kershaws - it cuts real well.
 
What is different about this flipper? I haven't seen that many pictures that show it, but it looks pretty much the same as any other that I've seen.
 
mattz357 said:
What is different about this flipper? I haven't seen that many pictures that show it, but it looks pretty much the same as any other that I've seen.
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See here for details:
http://kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=437&brand=kershaw

Handle: pretty ergonomic. Not very neutral like the Leek or Ener-G handles, but very grippy. Pocket clip can be placed tip-up RH and LH, or tip-down RH only. Nice smooth tension in pocket. Thumb can be placed in the dip in the handle when held without using the choil. Tip of pocket clip is a possible hot-spot.
Blade: 3.15 inches from tip to handle, 2.9 inches of useable edge.
Sandvik 13C26 holds a smooth polished edge and resharpens easily. Responds well to stropping on jeans and cardboard. Nice high hollow grind, lot of straight edge with about 1/4 of slightly curved upwards to the point. Kind of modified drop-point shape.
Lock: Probably easier to show than explain. Basically, a locking plate with springs at the butt. Tang of blade has two rods that move in and out of the locking plate. The texture on the button is kind of harsh but easily remedied with some sandpaper (note, this removes the black anodizing on the ridges) - picture in the Kershaw Knives link in the beginning has a different locking button (mine is APR 2008, could have been changed).

Apologies for crappy pictures (old cellphone).


Opening action:
Very smooth (PB washers!). Assisted opening... but better: explanation available if you click on the photos above. Nice, strong detent, that doesn't impede flipping at all - the lock helps propel the blade open. The three studs actually work very well, they don't get in the way as much when you cut vs larger thumbstuds, and your thumb basically "rolls" from stud to stud as the direction of pressure changes. It also provides a larger "area" on which your thumb presses, thus reducing chance of your thumb slilpping. The flipper can be a bit harsh on the index finger - you kind of have to pull on it angled sideways, rather than having the index finger parallel to the handle (this places your thumb on the pivot rather than near the lock button). The flipper itself conforms to the choil (rather than being a "guard" like the typical flipper).

Below is a terrible video of me using three methods to open the blade. Flipper, then using thumbstuds, and finally, pulling back on the lock and flicking open and closed (I still need practice ;)). Beware the grainy action!
 
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The Hawk lock only contacts the blade for closing resistance and locking. When the blade swings out it's only touching the pivot pin most of the way (where nearly every other lock out there contacts the blade the whole time, thus slowing things down). That and the handle design make it such a good flipper.
The blade is also pretty no-nonsense, I personally love the choil as it gives you maximum use of the available handle length, and the whole thing just looks slick.
The biggest problem most people had is that your thumb naturally sits on the lock release while opening the knife, which somtimes stops the blade.
Fortunately the third iteration of the custom built R.A.M. fixes the few problems the original had. Now we just have to wait for Kershaw to put that model in production. Thomas at one point hinted that it was slated for next year, but that is by no means a confirmation.
 
mattz357 said:
that everyone likes so much? No offense to anyone, but it is not a particularly attractive knife (to me anyway). What features of this knife make you like it better than a similar knife, or what would you consider to be a similar knife or competitor? I am strangely tempted by it due to all the fanfare, but I don't know if I want to try it out or not. Any info is appreciated!
Click to expand...

The Hawk Lock is nothing short of spectacular....fast and secure....easily my favorite flipper. In terms of aesthetics, the knife does, for some, have an overly tactical look. I toned mine down a bit by punching out the three thumb studs.
 
I love mine (1910CKT). I particularly like the blade design. One of the few knives that look better with a black blade than not, IMHO.

I think mine's defective, though. Can't seem to get it out of my pocket. ;)
 
mattz357 said:
What features of this knife make you like it better than a similar knife, or what would you consider to be a similar knife or competitor?
Click to expand...


It opens much easier than any other flipper I own. Now that's a relative opinion, as none of the are difficult to open, but they require a few (1 or 2) tries to get the action down pat. The R.A.M. opens with a satisfying "snick" first time, every time. As a matter of fact, you have to practice to not get it to open all the way!
As for similar knives, I guess any flipper that's the same size. I love my AO's, but I like being able to control how hard a blade opens with a flipper.

mattz357 said:
No offense to anyone, but it is not a particularly attractive knife (to me anyway).
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No offense to me. Beauty is different things to different people. I buy knives based on how they feel in my hand, and whether or not I think the shape will work for my use. So perhaps I am looking for "functional beauty". I have no safe queens.
It gets more beautiful the more you use it.
Just out of curiosity, what is a beautiful knife for you, and do/would you use them, or display them?
 
i love mine! to me it's very light and easy to carry.:) i find it a great source of amusement when watching tv and working on the many ways to flip-it! :D
 
I really can't say enough good about this knife! Hmmm...only one extra...might have to start looking for another! This knife is a winner!
 
riffraff said:
I love mine (1910CKT).
I think mine's defective, though. Can't seem to get it out of my pocket. ;)
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I guess mines defective also. :eek: ;)

When I pick up a knife the first thing I take into account is how it feels
in the hand. The RAM fits me perfect. :thumbup:

Like some of the others have said, if you can, try to handle one first.
The action is the best (IMHO) then any other knife I have owned.
The lock-up is awesome. I can't see this knife failing unless you just
completely bust the knife. I can't say enough positive things about it. :thumbup:
JMO but it's a $50-$60 knife that feels like it should be $100 +.

Again, go try one out if you can, then get back to us on your thoughts.

Have you seen SladeGT40's manipulation video??
 
svrider3 said:
I guess mines defective also. :eek: ;)

Again, go try one out if you can, then get back to us on your thoughts.

Have you seen SladeGT40's manipulation video??
Click to expand...

oh yeah, and the CKT model is something special. the ebony handles that phillip (aka, firebert) made are a spectacular addition. the interesting thing about them is that with the scales it becomes almost impossible to close without the thumbnail, which is fine by me because thats how i close it. i have gotten really good at wrist flick closures on the 1910CKT and i am working on some moves for a new video :) and yes there will be some twirls and aerials (though not with the blade open).

thanks for the continual plugs sv :)
 
Is the RAM a poor man's Zero Tolerance MUDD?

They look the same, blade shape, handle, lock?, ect., but I'm sure there are a few differences.

Thanks,
ken
 
Well, that's not really the way I would put it.

Yes, the locking system is the same, but to me its like comparing the Cyclone to the ZT 030x. Same designer, same basic operation, one just has the high-end materials.
 
The MUDD design is such that the pivot and locking mechanism are supposed to be impervious to contamination from dirt, sand, and such. Aside from the materials, I think the MUDD is intended to excel in bad conditions and/or hard use situations. I consider it to be a very different knife than the RAM.
 
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