Product Description
Doug Ritter RSK® Mk3-G2, Black G10 & Stonewashed Crucible CPM-S45VN
MSRP: $239.95 FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES ONLY - KnifeWorks EVERYDAY LOW PRICE: $192.95 with FREE Continental U.S. Ground Shipping
The next generation of survival authority and Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter's popular RSK® Mk3 fixed blade, now manufactured by Hogue, is once again available EXCLUSIVELY from Knifeworks. The RSK® Mk3-G2 (Generation 2) is an upgraded version of the original RSK® Mk3 that Ritter introduced in 2006. It features G10 scales with Ritter's trademark sunburst pattern (derived from that on his RSK Mk1-G2 folders), Ritter's highly regarded wide-chord, high flat-ground drop point full-tang blade in CPM S45VN and other refinements.
KnifeWorks' everyday price is only $192.95** with FREE continental U.S. Ground shipping! Ritter said, "I don't believe that you will find a better overall value in a USA-made fixed blade with premium stainless steel blade for everyday utility or survival. And, like the original, it's a knife you can bet your life on™."
Income from the sale of the RSK® Mk3-G2 and Ritter' other RSK® knives and gear allow him to spend the majority of his time on Knife Rights' efforts to free knife owners from irrational knife restrictions. This has resulted in 32 bills enacted repealing knife bans in 22 states and over 100 cities and towns, eight anti-knife bills defeated and numerous litigation victories since 2010.
Ritter explained, "when Benchmade advised me in the summer of 2016 that as part of a restructuring that they were no longer going to produce my RSK knives, it was quite a shock. These highly regarded knives have been my primary source of income for the last decade. Walking away from Knife Rights and ETS due to the loss of knife income simply wasn't an option I would consider."
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® knives. 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."
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."
In developing the RSK® Mk3-G2, Ritter's aim was to upgrade his practical utility, survival and hunting fixed blade and still sell it at a price that would be, if not cheap, at least affordable. "Good value" is what we strove for, in a fixed blade knife that you could bet your life on™.
He first sketched the original version of this knife in April of 2005. A few details have changed since then, but the basics have remained essentially the same through to this Generation Two version for the simple reason that IT WORKS!
The RSK® Mk3-G2 with it's 4.5-inch blade has proven adept at typical survival, camp and hunting chores, such as making shelters, splitting wood for fires, skinning game and the like. It is just the right size, in my experience; a perfect compromise in size and weight between a typical EDC folder and a larger and much heavier fixed blade.
The blade profile is a somewhat unconventional variation of a traditional drop point, carrying adequate thickness to the tip for strength, but with a somewhat pointier tip than a traditional drop point. It has a taller spine towards the base of the blade to allow for the enhanced thumb ramp. Despite using thicker steel than the RSK® Mk1-G2, 0.140 inch (3.56 mm) vs. 0.115 in. (2.92 mm), the high grind allows for virtually the same edge geometry that so many have found to make for such a great slicer. The thicker steel provides added strength and rigidity, but it isn't so thick that it favors brute strength or weight over everyday functionality. It is designed to cut well, not as a chopper.
There is enough belly to the blade so that it works for dressing game, but not so much that it interferes with overall utility. Both the RSK® folders and fixed blade have proven popular with hunters and guides where they have dressed out lots of large game such as deer, moose, elk, caribou and the like.
Blade steel is Crucible Industries CPM S45VN powder metallurgy high carbon stainless steel produced in the USA. An evolution of CPM S35VN (itself an advance over the original RSK® Mk3's CPM S30V), this steel offers an outstanding balance of edge retention, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and toughness (Click for more about CPM S45VN at Knife Steel Nerds). The blade is given 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 60-62 to provide that optimum balance of edge-holding and toughness.
This knife will stand up to typical outdoors and survival use, including batoning to split wood (done properly and avoiding knots), but it as previously noted, is not a "sharpened prybar" style knife. In exchange, this knife is quite a bit lighter for its length, only 5.7 ounces (161.6 g). Lighter weight means it is more likely to be carried, which in turn means is more likely to be there when you need it. If you want a brute of a knife, if you want to pry on things, this is not the knife for you.
The ergonomic handle shape is evolved from the RSK® Mk1-G2 handle. Without the restrictions dictated by a folder's mechanical requirements, there is a true half guard. A thumb ramp with jimping (ridges) is integrated into the tang at the forward part of the handle and the jimping is carried forward on the spine for added control.
The radial and checkered pattern lightly machined into the surface of the Black G10 combines effective grip with stunning esthetics. It's enough to help secure the knife in the hand when wet, but not so aggressive that it will create blisters in heavy use. The handle scales are secured with a pair of Torx-head screws into threaded stainless steel inserts. The tang extension is 0.156 inches (0.093 inches longer than the original) in case you need to use it as an improvised hammer, providing added protection for the scales over the original.
With a slim half guard, your hand is much closer to the blade edge than it is with the RSK® Mk1-G2 folder, improving control for fine blade work. Checkering is also provided at the forward end of the scales to enable a more slip-resistant pinch grip.
With no quillon or abrupt drop at the aft end of the handle, someone with very large hands will still be able to use this knife with a full grip. There is enough downward curve and swell to the handle, combined with the light checkering, to ensure a secure grip when pulling on the knife, even in slippery conditions.
Balance is neutral, which is exactly what you want with this size knife. It will never be a chopper, it's not large enough or heavy enough, so no need to carry extra weight forward.
The sheath is black ballistic nylon with an ambidextrous utility grade Kydex liner and multiple carry options. The Doug Ritter trademark is embroidered on the face. The retention strap has a snap closure. (If you prefer a different style or material sheath, or one with more features or different type of attachment, click for a list of custom sheathmakers for a sheath in Kydex (or Concealex, Boltaron, etc.) or leather.)
The front of the blade is laser-etched with Doug Ritter's trademark and S45VN. The reverse is laser etched with the Hogue logo and USA.
Like every Hogue-built knife, the RSK® Mk3-G2 is manufactured in the USA and is backed by three generations of manufacturing expertise and a limited lifetime warranty.
Tang Style: Full, extends past handle scales at butt, lanyard hole
Sheath Ballistic: Nylon w/ Kydex Liner
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
Specifications:
Knife Type | Fixed Blade | |
Brand | Hogue | |
Product Name | Doug Ritter | |
Model # | DR55186-EXLRSK | |
Overall Length (in) | 9.25 | |
Blade Length (in) | 4.50 | |
Handle Length (in) | 4.75 | |
Blade Thickness (in) | 0.14 | |
Handle Thickness (in) | 0.66 | |
Blade Material | CPM-S45VN | |
Blade Hardness (HRC) | 60-62 | |
Blade Style | Drop Point | |
Blade Edge | Plain | |
Blade Grind | High Flat | |
Blade Finish | Stonewash | |
Handle Material | G-10 | |
Handle Finish | Black | |
Sheath Material | Ballistic Nylon w/ Kydex Liner | |
Sheath Color | Black | |
Weight (oz) | 5.7 | |
Origin | USA | |
Blade Length (in) | 4-5 |
Product Videos
Custom Field
Product Reviews
5 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Improvement on near perfection
After running a G1 as my go-to camping, hiking, survival knife for years I realized replacing the G1 if lost would be near impossible due to them being out of production and held onto firmly by those who own them (myself included)
It was time to buy a G2 and see how it held up. Happy to report the G2 is nothing but an improvement over the G1, I find the scales are textured better for wet/slick/gloved hands and the presence of a guard is much welcome. My only real complain about the G1 was sometimes my apprehensiveness to apply heavy forward pressure fearing I may slip off the grip and ride onto the blade. A concern no longer.
The sheath is nearly identical to the G1. I have a custom kydex sheath for my G1 and I was very happy that the G2 slides right into it snugly and fits just the same despite the finger guard.
I have used the G2 to baton through many tough pieces of wood, sometimes frozen pieces of wood. It can baton, it can carve, it can feather if needed. I've used it for everything a modern frontiersperson could ask of a fixed blade and it has taken it. The S45VN is great, very robust but holds a keen edge through challenging treatment.
5/5. -
Great Knife
Love the (MK3-G2) It's a no-nonsense knife that just works. Great for the chores around camp and fishing. For the price, I would recommend it.
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The outstanding Ritter MK3-G2 fixed blade knife
This excellent knife is the best fixed blade hiking and hunting knife that I have carried in my 70 years afield. The design and functionality are superb. The CPM S45 VN steel has proven to be a workhorse and it has yet to require even a cursory touchup on the stone. The sheath is nylon but it contains a kydex or similar insert that protects both the user and the knife. I prefer it to the leather sheaths that I have used in the past.
The cost of this superb knife is a bargain compared to knives of equal 'QUALITY' .The good folks at Knifeworks treat customers right and will help you with product information and/ or a purchase. In summary, I consider the Ritter to be a top notch product sold by a first class knife dealer. Five stars all the way! -
What a great fixed blade
I like the size of this fixed blade, the comfortable handle, the S45VN steel, the full tang, great and functional blade shape, great blade geometry for slicing, and the balance. This knife is comfortable with or without gloves, wet or dry. The sheath works just fine on your belt or pack. I like that this is stainless premium steel. I'm also glad to support Doug Ritter, Hogue Knives, and Knifeworks for bringing a knife like this to me.
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Different but very Likable
I have the older S30VN Ritter RSK folders and they were OK. This knife and sheath are different from most of my other fixed blades, in a good way. Useful blade shape and size, jimping helpful for pressure cuts, scales have good shape and grippiness. Sheath can be put on or removed without removing belt and has a snaps that allow regular high carry or drop loop function, has a lanyard on the bottom for leg attachment. Weight and bulk of the knife/sheath combo are quite reasonable. Edge was perfectly ground and very sharp. Blade has a nice “working” finish and is not too thick; very good slicer. All-in-all, a very nice package from Ritter-Hogue.