Your questions are relevant and valid for every knife addict looking for any excuse to get another knife or modify your current knife. I've been there and the rabbit hole goes deeper than you always think. Try attending weekly metallurgist meetings. Us knife addicts need to know there's help out there.
It’s kind of shocking that they’re not inset, for $400 (on the secondary market). Better than any Benchmade? I’d have to see that to believe it! I’ve got a few, and for the most part, they are excellent.
I just got the 20cv with purple g10 and I'm very impressed. It feels like there is a detent ball of sorts to give it a little of that 'assisted' feel you can get from well made manual folders. Just a little. I'd say a soft detent feel which is great that they can get that on a bar lock
I have the Hogue Deka in magnacut and I love it. Great knife. I had an opportunity to buy this one, but missed out (now I regret it). Hopefully they will come out with a G10 version. Great review.
The pattern milled on the carbon fiber is the same on the G10 models! Ask Jack (Suburban Jack EDC) I’ve talked to him about how aggressive the milling is on the pocket 😅 I love this knife though
Reckon most knives from production even customs comes with some minor inconsistence & miss inspections. There's nothing better than making a knive yours..by mod or rounding the corners to make it "your knife". It's your knives because you make it perfect.! Cowabunga matey. Great vid as usual.
Applied weapons tech will release what are sure to be some amazing allow scales for this knife. I’d wait for those. This knife is fantastic. The smaller variants are great too.
In answer to your would I A or B question, my answer is "No." I would sand the area of contact with the pocket clip to eliminate the pocket wear, and, if I thought my thumb was vulnerable to being pinched, I would bevel the edge with the pointy, well-sharpened tip of my Micra blade.
I have the CPM 20cv version. Unfortunately, by the time I got home from work, the Magnacut version was already sold out. The G-10 is also a pocket eater. My solution was to place a course finger nail file between the clip and the scales and pull it out 3 times. Problem solved! Due to the blade shape at the tip. It is now right there with my super freek as all time favorite knives!
I got in on the second drop of the cf/magnacut Ritter. Which has been delayed due to a shortage of the magnacut steel. KW is saying mid month for shipping. I look forward to it. I have been doing this knife thing since about 1979. I have owned hundreds of knives, including many high priced customs, semi-custom and very high end production models. I have never seen a perfect knife. Not even $10,000 customs are perfect. Just ask any custom maker if they have ever made a perfect knife. You may be surprised by their reaction and answer. The fact that the CF on your example is a little raw from the machining process is OK. CF is very easy to work by hand and those raw edges can be softened quickly and easily. And without changing the appearance of the knife. Doing those types of little mods is one of the more enjoyable aspects of being a knife enthusiast.
this is definitely the only flaw. I just got my first Hogue Ritter and I'll be knocking down that milling where the clip meets the handle. This isn't limited to just the CF scales.
Want one of those so bad. I’m not a big fan of “sprint runs” and although they told me that they are making a second run, there’s no guarantee that I will get one. Only see RUclipsrs with them. I’ll take yours off your hands if you want. 😂
I have the Deka in magnacut with the poly scales. Absolutely love the blade Steel, absolutely hate the poly scales. It's like an original bugout situation with a bit less flex. Thanks to RC bladeworks being on top of it and adding the second gen to their lineup of custom scales I will be keeping the knife. But full honesty, it was the first knife I've ordered that when I took it out the box and held it in my hand I immediately wanted to return.
@@maxlvledc yeah, I couldn't find any G10 with magnacut. I couldn't even find a listing of that combo so I was thinking that maybe they had just introduced it with the poly scales. I really do love the knife as a whole though
@@maxlvledc I didn’t think the Magnacut Deka was available with G-10 at all. Where do I find it? I’d be happy to pay extra to get that combination. That’s the only reason I haven’t ordered a Magnacut Deka, I also wasn’t aware anyone sold after market scales fired the Deka
I have a Doug Ritter Mini-RSK MK1-G2 in G-10 and it is a great knife...except the handle pattern is the same as you see in this knife and it's too aggressive and problematic getting it in/ out of the pocket. I don't enjoy carrying it in my pocket b/c of that and it's been better when carried in a Recycled Firefighter EDC Pocket Caddy where the material holds up to the abrasion and it slides in/ out easier b/c of the seam tape.
Nice knife for sure. i would sand down the texture a bit (carefully). My almost perfect pcoket knife had sharp edges around the axis lock as well, filed that round a bit, but that knife was like 30 euros (ganzo g727m digicamo). At the end of the day i dont care too much about blade steels, in my experience the low end ones are much easier to manage (you can get victorinox steel to scary sharp with leather and green compound in no time)
like the review. well done. What about micarta scales? I prefer Micarta over anything else. I don't like carbon fiber scales. If they are ever damaged or splinter then they become very dangerous. Keep up the great work love your videos.
I have the full size purple model and its pretty sweeeet, my only real gripe is the extra length on handle where a lanyard goes. Im not huge into lanyards so I woulda rather had the 1/8 or so extra not being there. I had the jade but sent it back because it was not as pretty as the purp,. Yesss why didn't they use more rounded smoother abel lock studs, these hurt abit after constant fidgeting. Im happy still with my purp purchase overall....fyi make sure u want what u buy at knife works because even though they brag about being a large retailer they do not want knives returned. They will make it a hastle to where you almost just say forget it..
Yeah I bought a brend 3 that has bad lock stick. I very much like the knife but would of liked to see if I could exchange for one that didn't have so much lock stick and they didn't let that happen
I have 4 RSKs, two minis and two full size, including the full size Carbon Fiber Magnacut. The G10 isn't much different. In fact, I'd say the G10 on my minis was more jagged and abrasive than either the G10 or the carbon fiber on the full-size knives that I own. Tbh I haven't had a problem with the carbon fiber eating my pockets yet, it hasn't been something that occurred to me or bothered me. But for the minis, it 100% bothered me, so I used sandpaper and also switched to a Benchmade-style mini clip that doesn't land in the same spot. If you are planning to keep/love the knife and not sell it on, then I'd recommend just biting the bullet and giving it a little sandpaper. Like you said, it's only a small issue since you love so much else about the design.
@@maxlvledc The clip they give for the mini RSK is almost the same size as the clip they give for the full-size RSK, which created an awful hot spot. Basically what I'm saying is I had all sorts of issues with my minis haha. I do like how the clip works with the full-size RSK a lot. Unfortunately I think your best answer is just the sandpaper. Give it a few rubs, clean it off, see what you think, then repeat until it's how you want it, so you don't over-do.
I have (now almost) all the Knifeworks released Ritter Hogues, 6 large models and 7 mini versions, but stupidly missed the email notice for this one so will have to find it on the secondary market. Except for this one all have been branded either M390 (the very first black G10/stonewash) or 20CV (same steel of course.) You point out some of the main small flaws, but the biggest one IMO is the weak springy pocket clip which is fairly easily bent. I love the design and branding on the clip, but it should be a bit thicker and stiffer. I think maybe they didn't stiffen it up is to minimize the abrasion of the scales. All in all these are one of the best pocket knives you can buy.
Lynch NW make PHENOMENAL pocket clips for both the Ritter hogue size knives. I currently have 4 large and 2 mini and each one has a lynch pocket clip on them. They have tons of options too.
@@TerminalM193 Thanks, appreciate the info. I have at least 25 Lynch clips for Spyderco knives, but never bought them for any other models. I did eventually get the mini version of this in CF and magnacut, and two other full size in magnacut, including an auto but with G10, but never did find this one. This is the only Ritter Hogue I was never able to score, which is my own fault for passing over the email notification. Anyway, I’ll check out Casey‘s site. I’ve seen some new designs from him lately as well, I just never paid attention that he made them for these Ritters. Thanks again. 👍
If it weren’t cringey as hell you could do nutnfancy’s old epoxy mod on the CF scale, like he used to do on Cold Steel G10. Knocking the texture down with some 600 grit sandpaper might help…. Pocket biting is a tricky solve on something this high-end
super nitpicky on the flaws, I have fat fingers and I’ve flipped it open and closed it a ton and never even noticed the sharp edge by the lock bar until you mentioned it much less actually had it pinch my skin. The scales are abrasive I suppose but I like grip on handle scales so not a flaw either imo, time will tell if it tears up my pocket. You were right with the praise however it really is that good.
Is it treated harder than their regular production Magnacut? That might be the deciding factor for me. I know there were mixed opinions about the heat treat on the Deka.
@@maxlvledc That’s pretty high for magnacut, that’s why I’m wondering if the Deka was lower. According to Mr. Thomas, there are reports of 62-64 actually being easier to sharpen (compared with lower hrc), thanks to easier burr removal. The main concern with higher hardness is a potentially glassy edge.
Did you check the centering? I have 3 Hogue Ritter RSK, all have centering issue, one is more severe than others. For Axis style lock, Benchmade is still the best. The Hogue bar buttons have such sharp edges, it makes any prolonged opening and closing painful. One of the RSK has lockbar galling issue against the tang, appears to be bad heat treat on the lock bar. The aggressive texture on the CF scale is pain nonsensical. Hugue's heat treat is not the best.
Im so confused why there aren’t any aftermarket scales for the RSK and RSK mini. Total no brainer. Also, why is there no aftermarket replacement pivot screw for the fugly „C“ screw on the civivi knives?
That's right, a lot of people don't know that. It's like 5/10 while 20CV is 7-8/10. Folks should check out the steel chart on BladeHQ, good info there. Nothing wrong with Magnacut, but it's no M4 or S90V.
Keep it. See if you can find some g10 scales. If you really like the knife and you’re gonna use it, straight trade someone for g10 off a standard model.
Your questions are relevant and valid for every knife addict looking for any excuse to get another knife or modify your current knife. I've been there and the rabbit hole goes deeper than you always think. Try attending weekly metallurgist meetings. Us knife addicts need to know there's help out there.
The texturing isn’t aggressive at all. Very easy in and out of your pocket. The milling is vertical with the pocket clip.
to help minimize snagging, i wish the clip screws were flush with the cf scales...
It’s kind of shocking that they’re not inset, for $400 (on the secondary market). Better than any Benchmade? I’d have to see that to believe it! I’ve got a few, and for the most part, they are excellent.
Love this knife. just lost mine had it for five years m390 g10.
New one is on the way
I have a Benchmade Ritter and it is pretty buttery smooth too. Also original griptillian scales aren’t as harsh on pockets maybe.
I just got the 20cv with purple g10 and I'm very impressed. It feels like there is a detent ball of sorts to give it a little of that 'assisted' feel you can get from well made manual folders. Just a little. I'd say a soft detent feel which is great that they can get that on a bar lock
I have the Hogue Deka in magnacut and I love it. Great knife. I had an opportunity to buy this one, but missed out (now I regret it). Hopefully they will come out with a G10 version. Great review.
prolly may fav daily knife
Don't blame you, I just got the deka in magnacut..I think it could be the perfect user.
The pattern milled on the carbon fiber is the same on the G10 models! Ask Jack (Suburban Jack EDC) I’ve talked to him about how aggressive the milling is on the pocket 😅 I love this knife though
Great video! Thank you
Reckon most knives from production even customs comes with some minor inconsistence & miss inspections. There's nothing better than making a knive yours..by mod or rounding the corners to make it "your knife". It's your knives because you make it perfect.! Cowabunga matey. Great vid as usual.
Applied weapons tech will release what are sure to be some amazing allow scales for this knife. I’d wait for those. This knife is fantastic. The smaller variants are great too.
In answer to your would I A or B question, my answer is "No." I would sand the area of contact with the pocket clip to eliminate the pocket wear, and, if I thought my thumb was vulnerable to being pinched, I would bevel the edge with the pointy, well-sharpened tip of my Micra blade.
Right on!
I have the CPM 20cv version. Unfortunately, by the time I got home from work, the Magnacut version was already sold out.
The G-10 is also a pocket eater. My solution was to place a course finger nail file between the clip and the scales and pull it out 3 times. Problem solved! Due to the blade shape at the tip. It is now right there with my super freek as all time favorite knives!
Koenig arius knife is my ideal folder
I got in on the second drop of the cf/magnacut Ritter. Which has been delayed due to a shortage of the magnacut steel. KW is saying mid month for shipping. I look forward to it.
I have been doing this knife thing since about 1979. I have owned hundreds of knives, including many high priced customs, semi-custom and very high end production models. I have never seen a perfect knife. Not even $10,000 customs are perfect. Just ask any custom maker if they have ever made a perfect knife. You may be surprised by their reaction and answer.
The fact that the CF on your example is a little raw from the machining process is OK. CF is very easy to work by hand and those raw edges can be softened quickly and easily. And without changing the appearance of the knife. Doing those types of little mods is one of the more enjoyable aspects of being a knife enthusiast.
This post is super convincing...
this is definitely the only flaw. I just got my first Hogue Ritter and I'll be knocking down that milling where the clip meets the handle. This isn't limited to just the CF scales.
I would keep it. Take the clip off and sand it down smooth, then file the holes for the lock. Put the clip back on and have the perfect knife.
Want one of those so bad. I’m not a big fan of “sprint runs” and although they told me that they are making a second run, there’s no guarantee that I will get one. Only see RUclipsrs with them. I’ll take yours off your hands if you want. 😂
I have the Deka in magnacut with the poly scales. Absolutely love the blade Steel, absolutely hate the poly scales. It's like an original bugout situation with a bit less flex.
Thanks to RC bladeworks being on top of it and adding the second gen to their lineup of custom scales I will be keeping the knife. But full honesty, it was the first knife I've ordered that when I took it out the box and held it in my hand I immediately wanted to return.
You can get g10 for a little more and it's probably better. I'll likely go with poly to get aftermarket
@@maxlvledc yeah, I couldn't find any G10 with magnacut. I couldn't even find a listing of that combo so I was thinking that maybe they had just introduced it with the poly scales.
I really do love the knife as a whole though
@@maxlvledc I didn’t think the Magnacut Deka was available with G-10 at all. Where do I find it? I’d be happy to pay extra to get that combination. That’s the only reason I haven’t ordered a Magnacut Deka, I also wasn’t aware anyone sold after market scales fired the Deka
@@williammcguire1823 oh? Yea you can preorder them at knifecenter np
@@maxlvledc Thank you!
Maybe you can touch up that edge of the button with your Dremel.
I have a Doug Ritter Mini-RSK MK1-G2 in G-10 and it is a great knife...except the handle pattern is the same as you see in this knife and it's too aggressive and problematic getting it in/ out of the pocket. I don't enjoy carrying it in my pocket b/c of that and it's been better when carried in a Recycled Firefighter EDC Pocket Caddy where the material holds up to the abrasion and it slides in/ out easier b/c of the seam tape.
Compare it with the deka please. I love my deka and wondering if I’m missing out on the Doug Ritter.
Hmm, maybe the deka is better out of the box...hard to tell
Nice knife for sure. i would sand down the texture a bit (carefully). My almost perfect pcoket knife had sharp edges around the axis lock as well, filed that round a bit, but that knife was like 30 euros (ganzo g727m digicamo). At the end of the day i dont care too much about blade steels, in my experience the low end ones are much easier to manage (you can get victorinox steel to scary sharp with leather and green compound in no time)
The ganzo 440c is super solid
@@maxlvledc yup, those guys dont fuck around when it comes to a quality product, quite amazing actually
What ruler are you using in this video?
Does he do drops at other retailers besides knife works?
like the review. well done. What about micarta scales? I prefer Micarta over anything else. I don't like carbon fiber scales. If they are ever damaged or splinter then they become very dangerous. Keep up the great work love your videos.
These don't have a full steel liner so mixarta will not work...too flexible
I have the full size purple model and its pretty sweeeet, my only real gripe is the extra length on handle where a lanyard goes. Im not huge into lanyards so I woulda rather had the 1/8 or so extra not being there. I had the jade but sent it back because it was not as pretty as the purp,. Yesss why didn't they use more rounded smoother abel lock studs, these hurt abit after constant fidgeting. Im happy still with my purp purchase overall....fyi make sure u want what u buy at knife works because even though they brag about being a large retailer they do not want knives returned. They will make it a hastle to where you almost just say forget it..
Yeah I bought a brend 3 that has bad lock stick. I very much like the knife but would of liked to see if I could exchange for one that didn't have so much lock stick and they didn't let that happen
I have 4 RSKs, two minis and two full size, including the full size Carbon Fiber Magnacut. The G10 isn't much different. In fact, I'd say the G10 on my minis was more jagged and abrasive than either the G10 or the carbon fiber on the full-size knives that I own. Tbh I haven't had a problem with the carbon fiber eating my pockets yet, it hasn't been something that occurred to me or bothered me. But for the minis, it 100% bothered me, so I used sandpaper and also switched to a Benchmade-style mini clip that doesn't land in the same spot. If you are planning to keep/love the knife and not sell it on, then I'd recommend just biting the bullet and giving it a little sandpaper. Like you said, it's only a small issue since you love so much else about the design.
Thanks for the heads up!! I may try the clip switch first, but yea...looks like I may take sandpaper to it.
@@maxlvledc The clip they give for the mini RSK is almost the same size as the clip they give for the full-size RSK, which created an awful hot spot. Basically what I'm saying is I had all sorts of issues with my minis haha. I do like how the clip works with the full-size RSK a lot. Unfortunately I think your best answer is just the sandpaper. Give it a few rubs, clean it off, see what you think, then repeat until it's how you want it, so you don't over-do.
They are dropping again periodically at Knifeworks.
I have (now almost) all the Knifeworks released Ritter Hogues, 6 large models and 7 mini versions, but stupidly missed the email notice for this one so will have to find it on the secondary market. Except for this one all have been branded either M390 (the very first black G10/stonewash) or 20CV (same steel of course.)
You point out some of the main small flaws, but the biggest one IMO is the weak springy pocket clip which is fairly easily bent. I love the design and branding on the clip, but it should be a bit thicker and stiffer. I think maybe they didn't stiffen it up is to minimize the abrasion of the scales. All in all these are one of the best pocket knives you can buy.
Lynch NW make PHENOMENAL pocket clips for both the Ritter hogue size knives. I currently have 4 large and 2 mini and each one has a lynch pocket clip on them. They have tons of options too.
@@TerminalM193 Thanks, appreciate the info. I have at least 25 Lynch clips for Spyderco knives, but never bought them for any other models. I did eventually get the mini version of this in CF and magnacut, and two other full size in magnacut, including an auto but with G10, but never did find this one. This is the only Ritter Hogue I was never able to score, which is my own fault for passing over the email notification.
Anyway, I’ll check out Casey‘s site. I’ve seen some new designs from him lately as well, I just never paid attention that he made them for these Ritters. Thanks again. 👍
If it weren’t cringey as hell you could do nutnfancy’s old epoxy mod on the CF scale, like he used to do on Cold Steel G10. Knocking the texture down with some 600 grit sandpaper might help…. Pocket biting is a tricky solve on something this high-end
Exactly, no idea of the right solution
super nitpicky on the flaws, I have fat fingers and I’ve flipped it open and closed it a ton and never even noticed the sharp edge by the lock bar until you mentioned it much less actually had it pinch my skin. The scales are abrasive I suppose but I like grip on handle scales so not a flaw either imo, time will tell if it tears up my pocket. You were right with the praise however it really is that good.
With a knife this close to perfect....I had to come up with something lol
Is it treated harder than their regular production Magnacut? That might be the deciding factor for me. I know there were mixed opinions about the heat treat on the Deka.
62-64 (frankly I like the lower hardness, easier to sharpen and much tougher)
@@maxlvledc That’s pretty high for magnacut, that’s why I’m wondering if the Deka was lower. According to Mr. Thomas, there are reports of 62-64 actually being easier to sharpen (compared with lower hrc), thanks to easier burr removal. The main concern with higher hardness is a potentially glassy edge.
Have the Hanwei professional shears been through the Gauntlet?
Hmm, not yet
Did you check the centering? I have 3 Hogue Ritter RSK, all have centering issue, one is more severe than others. For Axis style lock, Benchmade is still the best. The Hogue bar buttons have such sharp edges, it makes any prolonged opening and closing painful. One of the RSK has lockbar galling issue against the tang, appears to be bad heat treat on the lock bar. The aggressive texture on the CF scale is pain nonsensical. Hugue's heat treat is not the best.
It was centered
Im so confused why there aren’t any aftermarket scales for the RSK and RSK mini. Total no brainer.
Also, why is there no aftermarket replacement pivot screw for the fugly „C“ screw on the civivi knives?
Good questions 🤔🤔🤔
No the g10 are rough also. A couple of minutes with a scotch brite pad and they are good to go.
I was thinking a fine grit sanding block sponge..thoughts?
@@maxlvledc that should work, scotch brite is just what i had laying around.
Dude, it's a no brainer. Keep it and knock the edges down with a sanding block if you don't like it's bite.
The big misconception with Magnacut is the edge retention. It’s not even close to m390, a little less than cruwear even .
That's right, a lot of people don't know that. It's like 5/10 while 20CV is 7-8/10. Folks should check out the steel chart on BladeHQ, good info there. Nothing wrong with Magnacut, but it's no M4 or S90V.
Keep it. See if you can find some g10 scales. If you really like the knife and you’re gonna use it, straight trade someone for g10 off a standard model.
The standard model is 20CV, not a steel I like very much
Супер😅👍
Are you willing to sell your magnacut rsk?
Not atm
You don't want it?
I am always iffy about using exclusives or limited runs..
So sand it down….
Dont like it ...send it to me
Riiiiigggghhhht
@@maxlvledc well u were nit picking it 🤣🤣🤣
@@wayned5872 yep, it's what I do lols