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
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 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: 0.125 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.
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Product Reviews
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American Quality
Super sharp right out of the box, perfectly centered, action is free dropping and a couple drops of lube and it's perfect. Shape and grip is ideal, it's got Doug's name on the blade, the able lock feel's better than benchmade's as it doesn't take as much pressure to draw back, maybe has to do with the higher quality springs. The clip is OK, while Ill usually deep carry it still looks good on the handle and it's a nice option. The pattern on the G10 reminds me of the Vergina Sun which is bad ass and was the banner for Alexander the Great, a fine Macedonian commander.
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Love it!
First I bought the mini version, then immediately had to have the full size. It’s everything I hoped it would be. When I first took it out of the box it was larger than I imagined and suspected it would be a bit too large for everyday carry, but to my surprise it carries very well! The fit and finish are flawless and it’s as sharp as any knife I’ve ever bought. I am getting the black screws so that they’ll blend in with the black G10. As with the mini version, I hit the scales with sandpaper because the texturing is just too rough for my taste, but it doesn’t change the look of the knife at all. I love this thing - thanks Mr. Ritter!
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Hogue Doug Ritter Rsk Mk1 G2
Absolutely the best knife I've ever used! I have over 2000 knives in my collection. Passed down from my grandfather to my father to, me. Every single on of them has been used by someone. Some come from the depression, some from WW2, some from Vietnam, some from daily farm use. I work with one of the major railroads. I literally use my knife every day. This has been the best pocket knife I've ever used. Super strong. Very sharp. I love it so much I bought all versions of this knife. The only thing I would change is I would make it with full stainless steel liners.
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Absolutely LOVE this knife!!
This knife is absolutely perfect for EDC in all respects! Here’s my take:
Blade - Absolutely ideal blade shape: very tall grind makes this a great slicer and cutter, but the relatively thick, full-length spine adds strength (Which is my main concern about hollow grinds). The stone wash is very handsome, and the blade came with a perfect mirror finish on its edge...and it comes INSANELY SHARP from the factory! I’m somewhat embarrassed to say that I almost immediately sliced one of my fingers on this thing. It’s literally the sharpest folder I’ve ever handled!
-Ergos-Again, total perfection, and a big improvement over the benchmade grip. The handle fills my XL hands very well, and the texturing is extremely well thought out: the starburst pattern results in mostly horizontal grooves, which allows the knife to slide easily out of your pocket (since the sliding is parallel to the grooves), but to stay completely locked into your hand. The slight finger groove for your pointer finger is also a big improvement as it provides a tactile reference point. The pocket clip confirms perfectly to my palms and doesn’t form a “hot spot”.
-Carry-ability- This was my biggest concern when I ordered the knife since my current EDC is a leatherman skeletool, but I’m glad to report that this thing fits perfectly into the pocket of my jeans or shorts. I actually feel it less than the skeletool! However, I should note that I am quite tall and lanky, and wear relatively loose fitting pants/shorts, so your results may vary if you’re larger or wear tighter fitting clothing. The pocket clip grips with the perfect amount of force if you’re wearing jeans or similarly thick clothes.
-Build Quality-Absolutely perfect: blade was perfectly centered (important if you’re OCD like me), absolutely no blade play when locked up, and the action is just the way I like it. I should mention that the lock was a little bit sticky at first and the action a bit rough, but a couple drops of knife pivot lube fixed that problem immediately.
-Value-This knife is an absolute steal at the price! It’s superior in all respects to the grip (in my opinion) and is about $30 cheaper.
I really can’t say enough good things about this knife. The only suggestion I would have would be to provider a wider range of grip colors, and perhaps color the liners and standoffs as well just for aesthetics (although I might personally still buy the plain black version since I’m aiming for discretion).
Overall, I’m incredibly impressed with this knife. Ive had excellent experience with hogue in the past when it comes to gun stocks and grips, and it’s great to know that their dedication to quality has transferred to their knives as well.
Grab one while you can! -
Absolutely Outstanding
This knife is everything this design was always intended to be! It feels great in hand, nice balance right on the front on the index finger, nice and grippy, perfectly centered, solid lockup, action is great, perfect ergonomics. And I wanted to mention this seperately on purpose, the action is perfect. Its so smooth and fast! It stays closed until you give it a nudge, then opens so easily and intuitively it almost outruns your pushing it. You really have to have this knife in hand to appreciate it. It also looks fantastic but you can tell the minute its in hand its a tool made to be used.
If you ever wanted the best, this is it! Try one and you'll see.
For the record, I've wanted one for a long time, but held off because I thought the bump on the finger choil was going to bother me. I don't notice it except it holds my fingers right in the sweet spot.
Don't hesitate like I did! -
Ritter hogue
Solid. Sharp. Smooth. All American. Great knife.
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Doug Ritter RSK MK1
After owning this knife for little over a week, I can honestly state this is one of the best blades I currently own or have owned. I have numerous knives, both production and mid-tech, from many, many companies. And although most fill the needs in day to day tasks, they always ended up missing something. Like some had a good blade profile but the blade steel wasn't the best. Or some had good steel, profile, grind, but the ergonomics feel short. Etc, etc. But this MK1... just wow. Excellent fit and finish, outstanding ergonomics, awesome blade locking system, fantastic blade profile, and my personal favorite, in my favorite blade steel of 20CV. This knife has it all. The material I cut with it just doesn't get cut, it's like it slides through it. Literally like a hot knife through butter. I just can't praise this knife enough. I haven't carried another knife since I received it, which is a first for me. Fantastic job Mr. Ritter and Houge. Many, many thanks.
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Best knife in its class
The perfect medium size all-around folder. The materials are premium quality and the build is bulletproof. ABLE is the best crossbar lock on the market. 20CV blade for this money is a bargain, and Hogue ships their knives sharper than any production blade I've bought. Easy to open & close, carries well, looks great and has the added benefit of being a larger knife that doesn't appear overtly threatening as some current designs do. The RSK is a great, well-balanced tool.
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Fantastic design
Its hard for me to imagine a better EDC than the Ritter, and I own alot of high end Spyderco, Benchmade, Cold Steels, etc, etc. The 20cv on the Hogue falls in between CTS-XHP and Cruwear for me in edge retention, so the steel is solid. The blade grind and bevels are beautifully done, and are symmetrical. I use a fixed blade sharpening system and the sabre ground blade is ideal for it. 20cv sharpens quickly and easily, and deburrs no problems and gets really sharp. Love the blade shap, so useful !! Action is similar to folks used to Benchmade axis lock, but the Hogue Omega springs by Wolff should offer years of trouble free sevice. About the only knock I have on the Ritter/Hogue is the deep carry clip. For hard extended use, the deep carry becomes a pain, but a standard old fashined Benchmade spoon clip makes ergonomics a dream, its a very comfortable hard use EDC after that. In closing, I think this is one of the best buys available today at this price point.