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KW Exclusives

KW Exclusive Knives — Doug Ritter RSK, Pro-Tech Integrity & Spyderco Exclusive Runs Only at Knifeworks

KW Exclusives are production configurations you won't find at any other retailer — blade steels, handle colors, and finish combinations that Knifeworks specified and that ship only through us. The current lineup includes Doug Ritter RSK® and Auto-RSK® folders in CPM MagnaCut across multiple G-10 color options, Pro-Tech Integrity manual flippers in CPM-S35VN with KW-exclusive finishes, and Spyderco exclusive production runs of the Para 3 Lightweight and Shaman in CTS-204P. Every exclusive is USA-made and ships the same or next business day from Columbia, Louisiana. When they're gone, they're gone. Call 888-225-9775 to check current stock.

Only at Knifeworks — Nowhere ElseEvery knife in this category is a production run we specified — blade steel, handle color, or finish combination available exclusively through Knifeworks. Not available at any other retailer.
CPM MagnaCut, CPM-S35VN & CTS-204PDoug Ritter RSK in CPM MagnaCut. Pro-Tech Integrity in CPM-S35VN. Spyderco runs in CTS-204P. Premium steels specified for KW-exclusive configurations.
Doug Ritter RSK, Pro-Tech & SpydercoThree of the most respected knife makers in the industry — production runs engineered in collaboration with Knifeworks. Authorized dealer, full manufacturer warranty on every knife.
When They're Gone, They're GoneKW exclusives are produced in limited quantities and don't restock on a predictable schedule. Call 888-225-9775 to confirm current availability before a configuration sells through.

The KW Exclusives Buyer's Guide (2026)

What makes a KW Exclusive, which platform is right for you, and why these configurations are worth buying when they're available — explained by the team that specified them.

What Is a KW Exclusive — And Why Does It Matter?

A KW Exclusive is a production knife configuration that Knifeworks specified in collaboration with the manufacturer — a particular blade steel, handle material, color, or finish combination that is produced for Knifeworks and sold only through Knifeworks. These are not custom knives. They are standard production runs built to a specification we defined, produced by the same factories that make the standard production lineup.

What makes them worth buying:

  • Steel upgrades: Many KW exclusives specify a premium blade steel not available in the standard production configuration — CPM MagnaCut on the Doug Ritter RSK line where the standard might run a lower-tier steel, or CTS-204P on Spyderco production runs where the standard runs CTS-BD1N.
  • Handle color and material exclusivity: Specific G-10 colors and combinations that exist nowhere else in the market — jade, orange, two-tone, and color combinations specified by Knifeworks for this run.
  • Limited production: KW exclusives are produced in runs, not as ongoing catalog items. When the run sells through, the configuration is gone. Some are restocked; many are not.
  • Full manufacturer warranty: Every KW Exclusive carries the full manufacturer warranty — Pro-Tech's lifetime warranty, Spyderco's warranty — not a separate or reduced retailer warranty.
Buy When You See ItKW Exclusives don't wait. Configurations like the Doug Ritter Auto-RSK Limited and specific Spyderco runs sell through in days to weeks from release. If a specific configuration is available and you want it, order now or call 888-225-9775 to confirm stock before it's gone.
Doug Ritter RSK® Exclusive Series — Mk1-G2, Mini Mk1-G2, Mk3-G2 & Auto-RSK Compared

Doug Ritter's RSK (Ritter Survival Knife) series is the largest family in the KW Exclusive catalog. Here's how the models compare:

ModelBladeSteelOpeningBest ForPrice Range
RSK® Mini Mk1-G22.9 inchesCPM MagnaCutManual flipperCompact EDC, blade-length restricted carry, lightweight daily carry$159.95
RSK® Mk1-G23.44 inchesCPM MagnaCutManual flipperFull-size EDC, everyday tactical carry, widest color selection$179.95–$189.99
RSK® Mk3-G23.5 inchesCPM MagnaCutManual flipperSlightly larger blade, Orange & G-10 distinctive color configuration$234.99
Auto-RSK®3.5 inchesCPM MagnaCutAutomaticAutomatic deployment version of the RSK — same frame, push-button open$209.95–$249.95

All Doug Ritter RSK models in this catalog run CPM MagnaCut — Pro-Tech's collaboration with Crucible delivering best-in-class edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance simultaneously. The RSK platforms are built by Pro-Tech Knives in Placentia, California to the same tolerances as Pro-Tech's standard production lineup.

Which RSK to Buy First?The RSK® Mk1-G2 in stonewash CPM MagnaCut is the most versatile entry point — 3.44-inch blade, multiple G-10 color options, and the proven RSK platform that Doug Ritter and Knifeworks have refined through multiple generations. The Mini Mk1-G2 is the right choice if blade length is a carry concern. The Auto-RSK is the right choice if you want automatic deployment.
Pro-Tech Integrity KW Exclusive — CPM-S35VN Manual Flipper Configurations

The Pro-Tech Integrity is a manual ball bearing flipper with a Button Lock — the same Pro-Tech fit and finish as the Godfather and Malibu lines, in a KW-exclusive CPM-S35VN configuration. Three Integrity variants appear in the KW Exclusive catalog:

ConfigurationBladeSteelFinishPrice
Integrity 3.5" CPM-S35VN Blackwash Plain3.5 inchesCPM-S35VNBlackwash$270.00
Integrity 3.5" CPM-S35VN Black PVD Plain3.5 inchesCPM-S35VNBlack PVD coating$320.00
Integrity KW Exclusive 3.5" S35VN 2-Tone3.5 inchesCPM-S35VN2-Tone blade$270.00

CPM-S35VN is a Crucible Particle Metallurgy steel with vanadium carbides added for fine grain structure — excellent edge retention, outstanding corrosion resistance, and tougher than CPM-20CV. The Integrity platform in CPM-S35VN is a KW-exclusive specification not found in the standard Pro-Tech production lineup. Made in Placentia, California. Pro-Tech's lifetime warranty covers materials and workmanship.

Blackwash vs. Black PVD vs. 2-ToneBlackwash is the practical daily carry finish — scratches disappear into the tumbled texture immediately. Black PVD is the premium tactical finish — non-reflective, adds a barrier coating layer over the CPM-S35VN base steel. 2-Tone is for buyers who want a distinctive aesthetic on an otherwise understated platform. All three run identical CPM-S35VN performance.
Spyderco KW Exclusive Production Runs — Para 3 Lightweight & Shaman

Spyderco KW Exclusive runs are standard production knives built to a Knifeworks-specified configuration — a particular steel or handle variant not available in Spyderco's standard production catalog. These are production runs, not custom knives.

ModelBladeSteelLockBest ForPrice
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight KW Exclusive3.0 inchesCTS-204P SatinCompression Lock®Compact EDC, Compression Lock one-hand close, lightweight carry$149.99
Spyderco Shaman KW Exclusive3.58 inchesCTS-204P SatinCompression Lock®Full-size EDC, larger blade for utility tasks, distinctive handle$239.99

CTS-204P is Carpenter's equivalent to Bohler M390 — a high-vanadium, high-chromium stainless with outstanding edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance. It requires a diamond stone to sharpen but holds a working edge far longer than most production knife steels. The Compression Lock® is Spyderco's patented ambidextrous lock that closes one-handed without moving fingers into the blade path. Both locks are Spyderco's registered proprietary system.

Para 3 vs. Shaman — Which Spyderco KW Exclusive?The Para 3 Lightweight at 3.0 inches is the compact EDC choice — fits front pockets easily, Compression Lock, CTS-204P at a lower price point. The Shaman at 3.58 inches is the full-size choice for buyers who need more blade for heavier utility tasks. Both run CTS-204P on the same Compression Lock platform.
Blade Steel Guide — CPM MagnaCut vs. CPM-S35VN vs. CTS-204P

Three premium steels cover the KW Exclusive catalog. Here's how they compare for daily carry:

SteelUsed InEdge RetentionToughnessCorrosion ResistanceSharpenability
CPM MagnaCutDoug Ritter RSK seriesExcellentExcellentExcellentModerate — diamond stone
CPM-S35VNPro-Tech Integrity KW exclusiveExcellentVery GoodExcellentModerate — diamond stone
CTS-204PSpyderco Para 3 & Shaman KW exclusiveExcellentGoodExcellentModerate — diamond stone required

CPM MagnaCut is Crucible's third-generation PM steel — it achieves best-in-class corrosion resistance alongside excellent toughness and edge retention simultaneously, closing the gap between properties that traditionally trade off. CPM-S35VN adds vanadium carbides to S30V for finer grain structure — excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance with better toughness than S30V. CTS-204P is Carpenter's equivalent to M390 — outstanding edge retention and corrosion resistance, slightly less tough than CPM-S35VN at similar hardness.

All Three Need a Diamond StoneNone of the three steels in the KW Exclusive catalog sharpen efficiently on a basic ceramic rod. Plan for a diamond stone or Spyderco Sharpmaker with ultra-fine rods as part of the ownership experience. The tradeoff is an edge that lasts weeks to months of daily carry before needing a touch-up.
Choosing by Use Case — EDC, Automatic, Compact Carry or Collector
  • Compact EDC / Blade-Length Restricted: Doug Ritter RSK® Mini Mk1-G2 ($159.95) or Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight KW Exclusive ($149.99). Both run 3.0-inch-class blades in premium steels at accessible price points for the KW Exclusive catalog.
  • Full-Size Daily EDC: Doug Ritter RSK® Mk1-G2 CPM MagnaCut ($179.95–$189.99) or Spyderco Shaman KW Exclusive ($239.99). The RSK Mk1-G2 is the more tactical platform; the Shaman is the more utility-focused choice for buyers who use a knife for heavier cutting tasks.
  • Automatic Carry (where legal): Doug Ritter Auto-RSK® ($209.95–$249.95). The RSK platform with Pro-Tech's push-button automatic mechanism — same CPM MagnaCut frame, same G-10 handle options, single-action automatic deployment. Verify your state's automatic knife laws before ordering.
  • Premium Manual Flipper: Pro-Tech Integrity KW Exclusive ($270–$320). CPM-S35VN on a Pro-Tech ball bearing flipper with Button Lock — the highest-finish option in the KW Exclusive catalog for buyers who want Pro-Tech's manufacturing quality in a manual platform.
  • Collector / Limited Edition: Doug Ritter Auto-RSK® Limited ($249.95) or specific color RSK configurations when available. Limited run configurations that sell through without restock are the collector tier in this catalog.
Auto-RSK Legal NoteThe Doug Ritter Auto-RSK® is a single-action automatic knife. Automatic knives are regulated differently in every U.S. state — verify your state and local laws at akti.org before purchasing any automatic configuration. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice.
KW Exclusives Quick Reference — Find Your Knife in 30 Seconds
I want a KW Exclusive for…Best ChoicePriceKey Feature
Best value entry KW ExclusiveDoug Ritter RSK® Mini Mk1-G2 SW CPM MagnaCut$159.952.9-inch CPM MagnaCut, compact, proven RSK platform
Full-size RSK® daily carryDoug Ritter RSK® Mk1-G2 G-10 SW CPM MagnaCut$179.95–$189.993.44-inch CPM MagnaCut, widest G-10 color selection
Distinctive color RSKDoug Ritter RSK® Mk3-G2 Orange & G-10$234.99Orange & G-10 exclusive color, 3.5-inch CPM MagnaCut
Automatic RSK (auto-legal state)Doug Ritter Auto-RSK® KW Exclusive$209.95–$249.95Push-button auto, CPM MagnaCut, Pro-Tech mechanism
Pro-Tech manual flipper exclusivePro-Tech Integrity 3.5" CPM-S35VN Blackwash$270.00Ball bearing flipper, Button Lock, CPM-S35VN
Pro-Tech premium finish exclusivePro-Tech Integrity 3.5" CPM-S35VN Black PVD$320.00Black PVD coating, non-reflective, CPM-S35VN
Spyderco compact EDC exclusiveSpyderco Para 3 Lightweight KW Exclusive$149.993.0-inch CTS-204P, Compression Lock®, lightweight
Spyderco full-size EDC exclusiveSpyderco Shaman KW Exclusive$239.993.58-inch CTS-204P, Compression Lock®, utility blade
Stock Changes Fast on KW ExclusivesCall 888-225-9775 to confirm availability before ordering any configuration marked "Out of Stock" — some configurations restock from time to time, and our team tracks incoming inventory in real time.

KW Exclusives: Frequently Asked Questions

Answered by the Knifeworks team — we specified these configurations and carry them ourselves.

What makes a KW Exclusive different from a standard production knife?

A KW Exclusive is a production configuration that Knifeworks specified in collaboration with the manufacturer — a blade steel, handle color, or finish combination produced for Knifeworks and sold exclusively through us. These are not custom knives. They're standard production runs built to a specification we defined, produced by the same factories that make the standard lineup. The difference is that the specific configuration — the steel, color, or finish combination — exists only at Knifeworks. You won't find the Doug Ritter RSK® in CPM MagnaCut or the Pro-Tech Integrity in CPM-S35VN Blackwash at any other retailer.

Where can I buy KW Exclusive knives besides Knifeworks?

You can't — that's what makes them exclusive. KW Exclusive configurations are produced for Knifeworks and sold only through Knifeworks.com and our store in Columbia, Louisiana. The manufacturers do not sell these specific configurations through any other retailer, dealer, or marketplace. If you see a KW Exclusive listed on a third-party marketplace, it was originally purchased from Knifeworks. To purchase new, this is the only source.

What is the Doug Ritter RSK® knife and who makes it?

The Doug Ritter RSK® (Ritter Survival Knife) is a line of folding knives designed by Doug Ritter of the Knife Rights Foundation, produced by Pro-Tech Knives in Placentia, California. The RSK platform is a ball bearing flipper with a Button Lock in various G-10 handle configurations. Knifeworks has collaborated with Doug Ritter and Pro-Tech to produce exclusive RSK configurations in CPM MagnaCut blade steel across multiple G-10 color options not available anywhere else. Pro-Tech's lifetime warranty covers materials and workmanship on every RSK configuration.

Is the Doug Ritter Auto-RSK® a legal knife to carry?

The Doug Ritter Auto-RSK® is a single-action automatic knife (switchblade). Automatic knives are regulated differently in every U.S. state — some states allow carry with restrictions, others prohibit automatic knives entirely. Before purchasing an Auto-RSK®, verify your specific state and local automatic knife laws. The American Knife and Tool Institute maintains a free state-by-state guide at akti.org. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice.

What steel do the KW Exclusive Spyderco knives use?

The Spyderco KW Exclusive production runs — the Para 3 Lightweight and the Shaman — both use CTS-204P blade steel. CTS-204P is Carpenter Technology's equivalent to Böhler M390, a high-vanadium, high-chromium stainless steel with outstanding edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance. It requires a diamond stone or fine ceramic rod to sharpen effectively. These are production runs we specified, not custom knives — Spyderco builds them to the same manufacturing standards as their standard production lineup.

Do KW Exclusives come with a manufacturer warranty?

Yes — every KW Exclusive carries the full manufacturer warranty from the company that built it. Doug Ritter RSK® knives are covered by Pro-Tech's lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. Pro-Tech Integrity KW exclusives are covered by Pro-Tech's lifetime warranty. Spyderco KW exclusive production runs carry Spyderco's manufacturer warranty. Knifeworks does not issue a separate or reduced retailer warranty on exclusive configurations — the manufacturer warranty applies in full.

Do KW Exclusives restock?

Some do, some don't — it depends on the specific configuration and whether we run another production order with the manufacturer. Configurations marked "Out of Stock" may or may not return. The best way to get an update on a specific configuration is to call 888-225-9775 — our team tracks production orders directly and can tell you whether a restocked run is planned or in progress. We cannot guarantee restocks on any specific configuration.

What is Knifeworks' return policy on KW Exclusive knives?

KW Exclusives follow Knifeworks' standard return policy. For the most current return policy details, visit our policy page or call 888-225-9775. Manufacturer warranty claims on defective materials or workmanship are handled through the manufacturer — Pro-Tech and Spyderco both provide direct warranty service. Knifeworks can assist in facilitating warranty claims when needed.

CPM MagnaCut · CPM-S35VN · CTS-204P · Doug Ritter RSK · Pro-Tech Integrity · Spyderco · Only at Knifeworks · Ships Same or Next Business Day

KW Exclusive Knives — Limited Runs, Only at Knifeworks, Ships from Columbia, Louisiana

Doug Ritter RSK® in CPM MagnaCut, Pro-Tech Integrity in CPM-S35VN, and Spyderco exclusive production runs in CTS-204P — configurations you won't find at any other retailer. Full manufacturer warranty on every knife. When they're gone, they're gone. Call 888-225-9775 to confirm current availability.

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