RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 Folding Utility/Survival Knife
| | Doug Ritter RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 Folding Utility/Survival Knife |
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"The hype was 100% legit. What an amazing knife...Just fantastic. Great work and congratulations."
-- m_c_harris87 on Instagram
"If you are looking for one knife, one knife to carry you through all of your daily needs, you cannot go wrong with this thing. It is soooo good!"
-- Peter - A Therapeutic Edge
"Spoiler alert: the new Hogue-built RSK is a total winner, and you should buy one immediately."
-- James Mackintosh - Knife Informer
♦ ♦ LINK to Additonal RSKŪ Mk1-G2 Reviews and Comments ♦ ♦
October 8, 2023: Effective immediately the blade steel for all RSK® Folders is Crucible CPM® MagnaCut! (Images below will eventually be changed, but they still accurately portray the knives with the exception of "CPM MC" engraving on the front of the blade replacing "M390" and "20CV" in the images below).
The next generation of survival authority and Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter's popular RSKŪ Mk1 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1 ambidextrous folders, manufactured by Hogue, are available EXCLUSIVELY from KnifeWorks. The RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 (Generation 2) are upgraded versions of the original RSKŪ Mk1 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1 that Ritter introduced in 2004. They feature a G10 or G-Mascus handle, Ritter's highly regarded wide-chord, high flat-ground drop point blade in CPM® MagnaCut, the ambidextrous ABLE Lock and other refinements. KnifeWorks' everyday price starts at $159.95** for the Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and $179.95** for the full-sized with FREE continental U.S.Ground shipping! 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 originals,they are knives 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 - LINK to view Joe's Complete Video Revew and additonal RSKŪ Mk1-G2 Reviews and Comments
If you don't need any details and just want to order, click here to go to the Doug Ritter Knives and Gear page on KnifeWorks.com or phone toll-free 1-888-225-9775.
NOTE: "Mk" is pronounced "Mark," so RSK Mark One G2
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. That income is what has allowed me to spend the majority of my time on Knife Rights' efforts to free knife owners from irrational knife restrictions. This has resulted in 44 bills enacted repealing knife bans in 27 states and over 100 cities and towns, eight anti-knife bills defeated and numerous litigation victories since 2010. The sales also support my Equipped To Survive site and my participation on numerous national and international safety and survival standards committees. 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 RSKŪ 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."
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.
"This is a gem 100%"
-- Nick Shabazz - LINK to View Nick's Complete Video Review and additonal RSKŪ Mk1-G2 Reviews and Comments
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 RSKŪ Mk1-G2 the ABLE Lockstanding 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.
Doug Ritter RSKŪ Mk1-G2 Specifications | ||
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| RSKŪ Mk1-G2 | Mini RSKŪ Mk1-G2 | |
| Blade Material | Crucible CPM® MagnaCut (61-63 HRC) | |
| Blade Length | 3.44 in. (8.74 cm) | 2.9 in. (7.37 cm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.125 in. (3.18 mm) | 0.094 in. (2.39 mm) |
| Blade Shape | Wide-Chord Drop Point | |
| Blade Grind | High Flat grind | |
| Blade Edge | Hand Honed Plain Edge | |
| Blade Finish | Heavy Stonewash or Black CerakoteŪ | |
| Closed Length | 4.72 in. (12 cm) | 4 in. (10.2 cm) |
| Open Length | 8.15 in. (20.7 cm) | 6.875 in. (17.46 cm) |
| Handle Thickness (Max) | 0.64 in. (1.63 cm) | 0.5 in. (1.27 cm) |
| Weight | 4.5 oz. (127 g) | 2.6 oz. (75 g) |
| Handle Material | G10 or G-Mascus Composite | |
| Liners | 301 Stainless Steel | |
| Pivot Washers | Phosphor Bronze | |
| Pocket Clip | Reversible, Tip-up, Deep Carry, Stainless Steel | |
| Lock Mechanism | Ambidextrous ABLE Lock | |
| Lock Springs | Omega by W.C. Wolff Co. | |
| Opener | Ambidextrous Dual Thumb Studs | |
| Fasteners | Standard Torx | |
| *Specification subject to change without notice | ||
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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 RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 blades retain the exact same widely acclaimed drop point profile with a high flat grind as Ritter designed for the original RSK Mk1. Blade length is 3.4 and 2.9 inches (8.74 and 7.37 cm), respectively. It is produced from premium Crucible Industries CPM® MagnaCut 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.
Dr. Larrin Thomas' groundbreaking CPM® MagnaCut steel is cryogenically processed to achieve a hardness of HRC 61-63 for an optimum blend of edge-holding and toughness. MagnaCut provides equal or better toughness, improved edge holding and improved corrosion resistance compared to the already exceptional CPM® 20CV steel formerly used.
The Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 is a compact, more conveniently sized, or more politically correct, version of the highly praised 3.44-inch original. It is a superb utility folder and it will meet blade length restrictions that in some jurisdictions or locations still limit carry knives to a maximum three-inch blade length (albeit fewer than before Ritter started Knife Rights).
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.
"It has already earned a place in my rotation going forward, which is the biggest compliment I can give a knife I want to carry it after I am finished with testing and review."
-- H. Clay Alders in Jan. 2020 KNIFE Magazine - LINK to Read Clay's Complete Article and additonal RSKŪ Mk1-G2 Reviews and Comments
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 G10 or G-Mascus high-pressure laminate aerospace composite. Compared to the original RSKŪ Mk1 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2, 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 on both knives 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 standoffs, three in the RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and two in the Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2. Compared to the solid back of the original RSKŪ Mk1 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1, this allows for easier cleaning. Both the RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 are neutrally balanced, Ritter's ideal for this size knife. The RSKŪ Mk1-G2 weighs in at 4.5 oz (127 g) with the clip, the Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 weighs 2.6 oz (75 g).
The RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 carry with a custom stainless steel deep-carry pocket clip (stonewashed or black Cerakoted) with laser-engraved Doug Ritter and Hogue logos. 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. Pocket clip and screw sets are available from KnifeWorks.com for anyone wishing to change the color of the clip and screws.
Both the RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 come in a zippered pouch embroidered with the Doug Ritter and Hogue logos.
Like every Hogue-built knife, the RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 are manufactured in the USA and are backed by three generations of manufacturing expertise and Hogue's recently updated limited lifetime warranty that accommodates owner maintenance and disassembly.
RSKŪ is a registered trademark of Douglas S. Ritter
* "AXIS" is a registered trademark of Benchmade Knife Company.
The Doug Ritter RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 are available exclusively from KnifeWorks.com. KnifeWorks' EVERYDAY LOW PRICE starts at only $179.95** for the RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and $159.95 for the Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and ALWAYS with FREE continental U.S.Ground shipping!
** Pricing subject to change without notice. If different, price listed on www.KnifeWorks.com represents actual selling price.
| Click here to place your order for a Doug Ritter RSKŪ Mk1-G2 and Mini-RSKŪ Mk1-G2 or phone toll-free 1-888-225-9775. |
Proceeds from the sale of Doug Ritter Gear supports Doug Ritter's Knife Rights efforts to free knife owners from irrational knife restrictions.
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Email Doug Ritter
URL:
http://www.DougRitter.com/dr_rsk_mk1-g2.htm
First Published on: Oct. 14, 2018
Revised: October 8, 2023
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