Product Description
Doug Ritter RSK® Mk1-G2, Black 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
Also avalaible:
Doug Ritter RSK® Mk1-G2, Orange G10 & Stonewashed Crucible CPM-20CV
Doug Ritter RSK® Mk1-G2, Black G10 & Black Cerakote Crucible CPM-20CV
"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 black 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: 0.115 inches (2.92 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: 410 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 31 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
RSK® is a registered trademark of Douglas S. Ritter
* "AXIS" is a registered trademark of Benchmade Knife Company.
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Product Reviews
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Great Knife Overall
Great Knife Overall, Excellent Quality!
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Great Design
I'm blown away this knife is amazing and fit and finish are top shelf. Hogue really does make quality knives and now with this collaboration with Doug Ritter I will have to really check out more from Hogue. I would also like to thank KW for the gift and fast shipping on a preorder really shows that there are companies out there like KW to appreciate there customers. I've spent thousands with other knife companies and not even a sticker so great job KW.
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Almost perfect
I have a couple of the Benchmade Ritter Grips and this one feels smoother and more refined. I don't know if it is the G10 handles vs the plastic ones or what. Love the texturing of the G10 and the jimping is a little easier on the hands. I only gave it 4 stars because I dislike the pocket clip, not a fan of how the clip digs into my hand. It is just too high for my comfort where it goes over the attachment screws, not sure if this is how it is on all deep carry clips in general or not. To end on a positive note this thing came out of the box SHARP, one of the sharper factory edges I have gotten on any brand knife.
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Doug Ritter RSK
This is one of my favorite knives this year and I have bought a lot of knives this year. Great steel came razor sharp, design is great, G-10 handles are more impressive once you get them in your hands. The action is smooth, axis upgrade is great. Never thought I would be raving about a knife from Hogue, but I have bought two this year and they are great. This knife is worth the money and is a great value for the money. Now for the bad because their quality control is still not perfect. Only real gripe is the bevel which was ground ok throughout most of the knife till you get close to the handle where is got real thin and wasn't exactly sharp. That would be it, despite beating up the knife it is still to soon to resharpen and fix this issue. Quick strop and it is back so need to use this more before I can fix this issue my self.
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A Knife and a work of Art.
This is a knife and a work of art! I had to wait for it but it was worth it, to me. Doug Ritter & Hogue Knives make an amazing team. The RSK G2 is pure quality. The G10 handle scales are thick, the metal frame is inset in to scales, the blade is M390 steel and has a mirror cutting edge! This is the sharpest knife I have ever seen! (I purchased the EX-F02 after the RSK and it is just as sharp!) Hogue puts an amazing cutting edge on their knives! I bought a Benchmade 560 because of it’s resemblance to the RSK, the Hogue RSK is superior in every way I can think of. It will replace the 560 if I can bring myself to use it instead of stare at it like artwork!
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Possibly the best EDC.
The fit and finish on this knife is incredible. The CNC g10, the stonewash finished M390, and the ABLE lock are all perfectly done. If you on the fence or worried about the wait time, don't be. This knife is worth every penny.
