Product Description
Doug Ritter RSK® Mk1-G2, Orange G10 & Stonewashed Crucible CPM-20CV
MSRP: $209.95 FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES ONLY - KnifeWorks EVERYDAY LOW PRICE: $159.95 with FREE Continental U.S. Ground Shipping
| Complete RSK® Mk1-G2 Line-up | ||||||||
| Mini-RSK® Mk1-G2 | Full Size RSK® Mk1-G2 | |||||||
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"The hype was 100% legit. What an amazing knife...Just fantastic. Great work and congratulations."
-- m_c_harris87 on Instagram
"It's so much bang for the buck...This gets the number one spot."
-- "Epic Snuggle Bunny" Auston H. (knife reviewer) - Auston's 2019 Top 5 Picks Video
The next generation of survival authority and Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter's popular RSK® Mk1 ambidextrous folder, manufactured by Hogue, is now available EXCLUSIVELY from KnifeWorks. The RSK® Mk1-G2 (Generation 2) is an upgraded version of the original RSK® Mk1 that Ritter introduced in 2004. It features a G10 handle, Ritter's highly regarded wide-chord, high flat-ground drop point blade in CPM 20CV, the ambidextrous ABLE™ Lock and other refinements. Ritter said, "I don't believe that you will find a better overall value in a USA-made folder for everyday utility or survival. And, like the original, it's a knife you can bet your life on™."
"This is a fantastic knife...It's just a great, great utility knife, field knife, tactical knife. Doug Ritter, Knife Rights, Hogue; dynamite combination, dynamite knife...I love the knife."
-- Joe Paranee (knife & sword reviewer, collector, hunter)
Ritter continued, "a number of knife companies approached me after I announced that Benchmade discontinued production, eager to take on this successful line of knives." In the end, Ritter has teamed with Hogue, Inc. to produce the next generation RSK® Mk1-G2. Ritter said, "in Hogue I believe I have found a partner who understands my goals, is dedicated to producing world-class knives in the U.S. with customer service second to none. They are also committed to helping Knife Rights continue to forge a Sharper Future for all Americans."
"WOW, this knife!...Awesome!...Probably the one I carried, maybe, arguably, the most...Really an excellent knife, I highly recommend it"
-- "The Knife Junkie" Bob DeMarco (knife reviewer) - Top 10 Most Carried Knives of 2019" Video
Jim Bruhns, Hogue Managing Partner, said, "We couldn't be prouder to partner with Doug to manufacture his highly regarded knives. That this will allow Doug to continue to fight for our rights is just icing on the cake for all of us at Hogue who one hundred percent support Knife Rights."
"Needs must when the devil drives," said Ritter. The question facing Ritter was what would the next generation knife look like; how could he make it better? Over the years Ritter had considered "next gen" versions in various configurations, some even got sketched or spec'd out with Benchmade. However, none ever came to fruition for him.
-- Nick Shabazz (knife reviewer)
-- Nick Shabazz - Nick's 2019 Gear of the Year Video Review
Since Ritter first saw the original Benchmade prototype knife with the ambidextrous AXIS* lock, designed by knifemakers Bill McHenry and Jason Williams, he has been a huge fan. Ritter took note that the patent on that outstanding lock expired in 2016.
Ritter has dubbed the improved version of this lock used in this next generation RSK® Mk1-G2 the ABLE™ Lock—standing for "Ambidextrous Bar Lock Enhanced." The ABLE™ Lock incorporates superior finish and geometry for smoother operation, a tougher lock bar and Wolff omega springs.
W.C. Wolff Co. is famed worldwide for their superior springs engineered and manufactured in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Wolff springs are respected for outstanding durability, thus providing enhanced reliability for the ABLE™ Lock. Wolff also provides the torsion springs used in Hogue's automatic knives.
The ABLE™ Lock liners are secured by two offset screws. The additional screw and offset design provides added strength and rigidity to the knife and lock assembly.
Jimping on the liners, handle and the blade thumb ramp have been redesigned to be more thumb-friendly, while still providing plenty of purchase.
The RSK® Mk1-G2 blade retains the exact same widely acclaimed 3.4-inch drop point profile with a high flat grind as Ritter designed for the original RSK™ Mk1. It is produced from premium Crucible Industries CPM 20CV powder metallurgy high carbon stainless steel produced in the USA. It has a stonewashed finish to provide added corrosion resistance and which also helps hide scratches. The blade is cryogenically processed to achieve a hardness of HRC 61-62 for an optimum blend of edge-holding and toughness.
The blade rides between phosphor bronze washers for the utmost in simplicity and reliability. The pivot screw is adjustable using a standard Torx driver. Dual thumbstuds, which carry through the tri-wing theme of the ABLE™ Lock lockbar, allow for ambidextrous opening.
-- H. Clay Alders in Jan. 2020 KNIFE Magazine
The blade is laser engraved with Doug Ritter's logo and the steel type on the front and the Hogue logo and "USA" on the reverse.
The handle scales are CNC-machined from orange G10 high-pressure laminate aerospace composite. Compared to the original RSK® Mk1, it provides improved ergonomics. An "index bump" on the underside offers added security and comfort. The radial and checkered pattern machined into the surface combines effective grip with stunning esthetics. Ritter credits a fixed blade handle design by Les George on a Hydra Fighter he donated to Knife Rights' Ultimate Steel 2015 fundraiser as inspiration for that motif. The handle is 0.16 inches (4 mm) longer to allow for the lanyard hole to be located at the tail end of the handle.
The handle incorporates open construction with three standoffs. Compared to the solid back of the original RSK Mk1, this allows for easier cleaning. The RSK® Mk1-G2 is neutrally balanced, Ritter's ideal for this size knife. The RSK® Mk1-G2 with the G-10 handle weighs in at 4.5 oz (127 g) with the clip.
The RSK® Mk1-G2 carries with a custom stonewashed stainless steel deep-carry pocket clip. The clip is reversible for ambidextrous tip-up carry. While retained by two screws, a standard 3-screw pattern (Benchmade, Spyderco, Emerson, etc.) is provided so that owners can exchange the clip for any of the wide variety of aftermarket and custom clips available. Brass inserts provide secure retention of the clip screws.
The RSK® Mk1-G2 comes in a zippered pouch embroidered with the Doug Ritter logo.
Like every Hogue-built knife, the RSK® Mk1-G2 is manufactured in the USA and is backed by three generations of manufacturing expertise and a limited lifetime warranty.
SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Material: Crucible CPM-20CV.
Blade Length: 3.44 inches (87 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.125 in. (3.18 mm)
Blade Hardness: HRC 61-62
Blade Edge: Plain
Blade Finish: Stonewashed / Tumbled
Handle Material: G10 Composite
Closed Length: 4.72 inches (120 mm)
Open Length: 8.15 inches (207 mm)
Weight (with clip): 4.5 ounces (127 g)
Lock: Ambidextrous ABLE™ Lock
Liners: 301 Stainless Steel
Pivot Washers: Phosphor Bronze
Opener: Ambidextrous Dual Thumb Studs
Pocket Clip: Stainless Steel, Deep Carry, Reversible
Fasteners: Torx
Specifications subject to change without notice
Doug Ritter is an award-winning journalist and founder of Equipped To Survive with over 30 years of experience reviewing outdoor and survival gear. He is the sole consumer advocate serving on SAE and RTCM committees that develop U.S. and international minimum performance standards and guidance for distress beacons, other emergency signaling devices and all the passenger safety, survival and evacuation equipment used on commercial aircraft. Ritter designs and consults on survival gear, survival kits and outdoor equipment including knives.
Ritter is also the founder and Chairman of Knife Rights (www.KnifeRights.org), America's effective knife owner advocacy organization responsible for the enactment of 32 bills repealing knife bans in 22 states and over 100 cities and towns since 2010.
Hogue, Inc. (www.Hogueinc.com) is home to a proud family tradition of American quality and innovation since 1968. Every Hogue product – from handgun grips to long gun stocks to AR components to specialty knives to gear and accessories – is built in the spirit of fine craftsmanship, attention to detail and complete dedication to the legacy of founder Guy Hogue, carried into the next generation by his sons Aaron and Patrick, by Managing Partner Jim Bruhns, by his grandson Neil, and by each and every employee at Hogue, Inc.
RSK® is a registered trademark of Douglas S. Ritter
* "AXIS" is a registered trademark of Benchmade Knife Company.
Product Videos
Custom Field
Product Reviews
7 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Almost 5 stars...
Super sharp from the factory, very nice ergonomics and perfect blade centering. The pocket clip could have a bit more tension, but I can live with it the way it is. My only real complaint is the black coating on the lock bar where it contacts the blade tang; the coating makes the action feel gritty until it wears off, which takes FOREVER. Would be a 5 star review if they not coated this area of the lock bar.
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A real EDC
Arrived brutally sharp, it might be the sharpest knife I've ever received. Perfect blade centering, too with zero defects. Has a good meaty feel to the handle, it fills your hand and the scales are super grippy. No sharp edges on the handle finish. The blade has some heft to it which makes flicking it open a cinch but it's not so heavy that it feels unbalanced. There is gimping in all the right spots on the handle and top of the blade.
After a little practice the lock makes it very easy to flip the blade open and closed one-handed. The clip is pretty long and there are three holes on the handle on either side so you can use other brand clips. This also makes it completely ambidextrous.
Overall, I think this might become my new primary. The blade shape is so useful for every day tasks. And it just has a great overall feel without any hotspots. It doesn't hurt that it's also fun to fiddle with. Plus it supports Doug Ritter. -
Just what I wanted
I was in on the initial release of this knife and was slightly disappointed that black was the only scale color. Had I been patient and waited a couple years, I would only have this one that is in my favorite color. This is superior to the Benchmade Griptilian which I also own two, because of the M390 and 20CV blade steels. The scales are also much better with the palm swell. This is an excellent EDC and one of my favorites. It's also and excellent fidget toy.
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Ummmm
So its a near exact copy of a benchmade griptillian?
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Very loose
There is too little resistance to the blade coming out from the handle. If one tightens the pivot screw, the blade switches from too loose to too tight. As it is, the knife can be opened by just flipping it with the wrist, without using the thumb stud. This presents a hazard as it may partially open unintentionally under gravity or shaking. The old mini version did not have this issue.
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Disappointed
Arrived in an open-box. It had lock rock. Paid for express shipping now they want me to pay shipping to return the defective knife. Sending back to manufacture. And fix your captcha its broken
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Hooray my favorite color!
I wished this had been available when the knife was initially offered. I'll be getting mine after Christmas.
